The Deputy Secretary of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), Samuel Amoah, says the union does not have the legal authority to arrest drivers or transport operators who unlawfully increase transport fares, stressing that such enforcement is the responsibility of the Ghana Police Service.
Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Mr Amoah expressed concern over what he described as the growing influence of ‘loading boys’, known as jonkys, who he said are dictating fares without approval.
“We don’t have the power to arrest people who charge illegal fares. That responsibility lies with the Police,” he said.
According to him, the inability of law enforcement agencies to act has made it difficult to stop unauthorised fare increases.
“The jonkys have taken control and are deciding the fares drivers should charge. Unfortunately, the Police are not doing anything about it,” he alleged.
He further claimed that the Police have failed to enforce the law against operators who impose unapproved fares.
“The Police have become one with these people and are allowing them to charge higher fares,” he stated.
Mr Amoah said the GPRTU leadership would soon meet at its national office to deliberate on the current situation and determine the union’s next course of action.
“We will meet as leaders at our national office and decide the way forward,” he said.
Responding to questions about reports of a proposed 30 per cent fare increase, Mr Amoah clarified that the GPRTU has not yet approved any such increment.
“We have not approved the 30 per cent increase. Some drivers may already be charging higher fares, but that is not a decision taken by the GPRTU,” he stressed.
He explained that although transport operators are grappling with rising operational costs, including fuel prices, spare parts, lubricants, insurance and vehicle maintenance, consultations are still ongoing.
“There are many factors involved, and that is why we have to meet and discuss them. By the close of the day, if we do not hear anything from the government, we will decide on our next line of action,” he added.
His comments follow the circulation of a statement 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 per cent nationwide transport fare increase.
The statement cited rising fuel prices and increasing operational costs as the basis for the proposed increment and gave government a three-day ultimatum to reduce fuel prices, warning that the fare adjustment would take effect if no action was taken.
However, Mr Amoah maintained that the GPRTU has not sanctioned the reported 30 per cent fare increase and urged the public to rely only on official communication from the union regarding transport fare adjustments.
READ:
GPRTU eyes cashless transport system to curb armed robbery attacks on drivers
Transport operator granted GHC50,000 bail for allegedly contracting thugs to attack GPRTU chairman
