The Deputy Secretary of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), Samuel Amoah, has dismissed reports that the union has approved a 30% increase in transport fares, insisting that no such decision has been taken.
Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Mr Amoah said although there have been complaints about some drivers charging higher fares, the GPRTU has not sanctioned any nationwide fare adjustment.
“We have not agreed that transport fares should be increased by 30%. You may hear concerns that some people are charging higher fares, but that is not something we have approved,” he said.
He explained that the union became aware of isolated cases of fare increases, particularly in Madina, and immediately intervened.
“It was in Madina that we heard some drivers were charging higher fares, and we took drastic action. It is not something we have agreed to implement,” he stated.
His comments come after a statement circulating on social media, purportedly issued by the Commercial Transport Operators of Ghana, the Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana and the GPRTU of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), announcing a 30% increase in transport fares nationwide.
The statement attributed the proposed increment to rising fuel prices and increasing operational costs, including spare parts, lubricants, insurance and vehicle maintenance.
It also gave government a three-day ultimatum to reduce fuel prices, warning that the 30% fare increase would take effect across all routes if no action was taken.
However, Mr Amoah said the GPRTU has not endorsed the announcement and urged the public to disregard claims that the union has approved the increase.
“We have a lot of work to do to ensure that the right things are done. Whenever complaints come in, we engage the Transport Ministry and inform them about the challenges facing transport operators,” he said.
He noted that while transport operators continue to face rising operating costs, any decision to review fares would follow the established consultation process involving the relevant stakeholders.
“We understand the concerns of drivers, but no 30% fare increase has been approved by the GPRTU,” he stressed.
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