Don’t pay new fares yet – GPRTU tells commuters

The Ghana Private Roads and Transport Union (GPRTU),  together with the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC), has issued a directive to Ghanaian commuters. 

They urge commuters not to adhere to any proposed new transport fares that have not yet received official approval. The directive comes in response to the Transport Operators Union and the Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana, declaring a 30 percent increase in transport fares effective April 13, 2024

In their joint press release, the GPRTU and GRTCC emphasized that any fare hike beyond the parameters set by the Administrative Instrument governing the review of public transport fares in the country is deemed illegal and should be disregarded. 

They further highlighted their ongoing efforts to engage with stakeholders and the Ministry of Transport to thoroughly assess various cost components and reach a mutually agreeable resolution on this matter.

The full statement from the GPRTU and GRTCC reads as follows:

PURPORTED INCREASE IN PUBLIC TRANSPORT FARES

It has come to our attention that some sections of drivers have arbitrarily increased transport fares in contravention of the Administrative Instrument on the review of public transport fares in the country. This action is illegal and must be stopped immediately if true. As leadership, we have closely monitored the recent adjustment in fuel prices and other related operational costs. We are currently engaging stakeholders to consider the various cost components and agree on the way forward. As has been our practice, we met with the Ministry of Transport on April 10, 2024, to present our demands. Once consensus is reached, the general public will be duly informed. Therefore, any increase outside the Administrative Instrument should be disregarded and treated with contempt. We urge commuters not to pay any fare beyond the existing fares. We also call on regional administrations, metropolitan, municipal, and district assemblies, as well as station welfare committees, to ensure compliance with the existing fares, as no decision has been taken regarding any fare increment. We also want to urge all drivers to abide by this directive and have confidence in the leadership.