The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) is pushing for a 30 percent increase in transport fares to mitigate the rising operational costs stemming from escalating fuel prices.
Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express regarding the topic “The Rising Cost of Fuel: Why you must brace for more hikes,” the Deputy Public Relations Officer, Samuel Amoah, outlined the union’s position.
Mr Amoah mentioned that discussions with the Transport Ministry began last Wednesday and are set to continue this week.
He also referenced GPRTU’s previous attempt in January to implement a 20 percent fare hike, which was rejected by the Ministry due to procedural issues.
During the previous negotiations, GPRTU had justified the proposed increase by pointing to various cost factors, including spare parts, lubricants, DVLA, and insurance taxes.
“The Ministry therefore invited us for a conversation, an invitation we accepted and presented all our reasons for the 20 percent increment. Even at that time, the fuel price wasn’t as it is now. The 20 percent we came up with earlier, we considered the cost of spare parts, lubricants, and DVLA and Insurance taxes. Those were the major components that we focused on to come up with the 20 percent increment,” he said on Tuesday.
Mr. Amoah highlighted that the significant rise in fuel prices has prompted a reevaluation of their previous proposal. In light of the current adverse economic conditions, GPRTU has revised its position, now calling for a 30 percent increase in transport fares.
He stressed the importance of this adjustment to ease the financial strain on drivers and maintain the viability of their operations.
Mr. Amoah expressed optimism that the Ministry would recognize the urgent need for fare adjustments to protect the livelihoods of transport operators and allow them to continue providing essential services to the nation.
“Our expectation on Wednesday is that, surely the Transport Ministry will agree with us so that we can increase the fares for our drivers to have peace of mind to continue serving the nation.”
Meanwhile, drivers nationwide have begun implementing the new fares.