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Tag: GPRTU

  • Fuel levy after fare cut is a double blow – GPRTU

    Fuel levy after fare cut is a double blow – GPRTU

    The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has expressed disappointment in the government over its GHS1 levy on fuel, following the assent to the Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Bill, 2025.

    Speaking to the media on Thursday, June 5, the Industrial Relations Officer of GPRTU, Abass Imoro, indicated that drivers are at a disadvantage as the GH₵1 increase per litre of fuel effectively offsets the 15% reduction in transport fares.

    “Looking at the 15% reduction — looking at the GH₵1 on a litre, it can never marry each other,” he stated.

    He indicated that the group should have been consulted, just as the government engaged them on transport fare reductions.

    According to him, the union would have carefully considered its 15% cut in fares during the negotiations, adding that the group wouldn’t have agreed to such a steep percentage.

    “They knew very well that they had this under their sleeves and we sat with them, we engaged them on our 15% reduction and we finally came to a conclusion…It is very painful that they knew very well they had this under their sleeves that they should have informed us that this is what government intends doing so that we would have known how to go about our reduction. It wouldn’t have been as deep as this 15% that we went to,” he said.

    “Lo and behold, they came out without any consultation. We are a major player in the fuel industry — the consumption of fuel, we play a lot of role in that. So we think if they had such a thing, they should have engaged us and see if we also have any contributions,” he noted.

    Meanwhile, the union has threatened a nationwide strike on Tuesday, June 10, if the policy is not revised.

    The group has argued that the policy’s rollout will have significant implications for operators, as it will drive up operational costs.

    But President John Dramani Mahama has assured Ghanaians that funds generated from the newly approved GHC1 fuel levy will undergo regular audits.

    He explained the move is to ensure accountability and transparency.

    “Funds from this levy will not be subject to the hazards of the Consolidated Fund. The fund will be regularly audited and audit reports made public to ensure its transparent use.”

    He has reiterated the government’s decision to clear the accumulated legacy debts in the power sector with part of the revenue generated from the levy.

    He stated that “initially much of this revenue will go to the purchasing of fuel to ensure stable power of electricity.”

    Government will also reduce the use of liquid fuel in the energy mix as it expects more gas from the ENI, Sankofa, Jubilee and TEN fields, as well as West African Gas Pipeline.

    “At that stage, the resources generated by this increased levy will be channeled to pay accumulated legacy debts in the power sector,” he added.

    The president signed the bill, which seeks to introduce a GH¢1.00 petroleum levy, on Thursday, June 5, following approval by Parliament on Tuesday, June 3.

    The Majority side of the House approved the bill after the Minority side staged a walkout.

    Energy and Green Transition Minister, John Abdulai Jinapor, has defended government’s move despite opposition from some stakeholders in the energy sector.

    He noted that the timing of the introduction of the levy is apt as the cedi continues to appreciate against major trading currencies.

    The minister projects to generate revenue ranging between GH¢5 billion and GH¢6 billion to support the procurement of liquid fuel.

    “Fuel was around GH¢16.00, and a sensitive government will not slap a tax when fuel is GH¢16.00. You couldn’t have imposed that tax around that time when fuel was still very high, and so you needed to work to bring fuel down to this level and share the gain with Ghanaians. At that time, if we had increased it, you can imagine the impact on Ghanaians, but today, the net effect is that you are still having a reduction of GH¢3.00 on a litre of fuel,” he explained.

    “It is better to do it today than to (have done) it yesterday, when it would have eroded your income; today, your purchasing power has increased because of the reduction of the value of the dollar,” he said while speaking on JoyFM.

    Some stakeholders in the energy sector have expressed their displeasure over the approval of the Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Bill, 2025.

    On the matter, Chief Executive Officer of the Association of Oil Marketing Companies (AOMCs), Dr Riverson Oppong Peprah,warned that the implementation of the levy could drive fuel prices higher, adding further strain on consumers and the downstream sector.

    “When fuel prices began to fall, it wasn’t because the cedi gained stability; rather, it was due to a drop in plant prices caused by the decline in West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil prices. Only after that did the cedi stabilise and support the downward trend.”

  • 15% transport fare reduction directive not applicable to us – Ride-hailing operators

    15% transport fare reduction directive not applicable to us – Ride-hailing operators

    The Ghana Private Road Transport Union’s (GPRTU) 15% reduction in transport fares directive to all transport services has been disregarded by the Ghana Online Drivers Union, citing concerns of neglect in decision-making.

    According to the ride-hailing drivers, they were exempted from participating in the decision-making process that brought about the transport fare reduction.

    Thus, they have no business complying with transport fare reductions.

    “What the GPRTU did does not include us, because we have not been consulted. We are not part of them. We are the users of Uber, Bolt, and Yango. We have a union, but our union is not recognized by the GPRTU or the Trade Union.”

    “As unions and representatives of the drivers, we were not part of the meeting that GPRTU and the Ministry of Transport held. We were not represented. So our customers cannot enjoy the 15% reduction on prices,” President of the Ghana Online Drivers Union, Francis Tengey, told the media.

    Mr Tengey further revealed that an application was sent on behalf of the Uber, Bolt, and Yango drivers about 4 years ago to enable them to form part of the group, but they have not received any response yet.

    “Although we have applied since 2021 to be affiliated with TUC, we have not yet gotten that accreditation. So GPRTU giving this directive does not include us. Uber does not know GPRTU, Bolt and Yango do not know GPRTU,” Mr Tengey expressed.

    On the other hand, consumer advocacy group, CUTS International, has entreated local assemblies to erase commercial drivers from their register if they fail to comply with the price reduction directive.

    It has entreated the government to ensure that Ghanaians are not deprived of enjoying transport fare reductions.

    Transport stations and branches that have refused to comply with the recent directive on the 15% fare reduction by the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) are liable to sanctions by the union.

    Some transport operators in the Ashanti Region have refused to adhere to the recent directive that seeks to provide some economic relief to commuters. They have attributed the delay in adjusting fares to the late receipt of the official instruction.

    But the General Secretary of GPRTU has indicated that the communique has been reissued and assured that measures have been put in place to ensure full compliance in the coming days.

    Other transport operators in the Volta Region are working with a 10 percent reduction in transport fares, citing the spiking prices of spare parts and the failure of the authorities to see to a reduction.

    A section of spare parts dealers at Abossey Okai has insisted on not reducing the prices of their items, despite the value of the Ghanaian cedi gaining strength against the U.S dollar. This comes after the Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association in the Greater Accra Region directed its members to reduce prices of spare parts.

    Meanwhile, Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) Abbas Ibrahim Moro has resolved his outfit of blame over the failure of transport operators to implement the new reduced fares.

    According to Mr Moro, in an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, the enforcement of the new transport directive must be carried out by law enforcement agencies and not GPRTU.

    “We have done our part by communicating the reduction and informing our members, who are complying earnestly. But a few members of unregistered unions have decided not to comply. So it is in the hands of law enforcement agencies to ensure full compliance,” he stated.

    He added: “The law enforcement agencies must set an example out of some drivers and let people know we are governed by laws and they work. There is no way any member will do unlawful things and go scot-free.”

    Some Ghanaians have taken it upon themselves to expose the drivers and bus conductors who continue to rob commuters of hard-earned money.

  • 15% fare reduction: GPRTU to sanction non-compliant drivers

    15% fare reduction: GPRTU to sanction non-compliant drivers

    Transport stations and branches that have refused to comply with the recent directive on the 15% fare reduction by the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) are liable to sanctions by the union.

    In an interview with Citi News on Saturday, May 24, the General Secretary of GPRTU, Godfred Abulbire, said, “the chairman has forwarded another press release and made it known that by tomorrow, if stations or branches working under us don’t comply with the directives, sanctions will be meted out to those terminals.”

    GPRTU on Wednesday, May 21, announced a 15% drop in transport fares, which took effect on Saturday, May 24. According to GPRTU, the reduction follows successful deliberations between the Ministry of Transport and transport operators following the recent macroeconomic developments, specifically the Ghanaian cedi experiencing sustained appreciation against major foreign trading currencies, particularly the dollar.

    Some transport operators in the Ashanti Region have, however, refused to adhere to the recent directive that seeks to provide some economic relief to commuters. They have attributed the delay in adjusting fares to the late receipt of the official instruction.

    But the General Secretary of GPRTU has indicated that the communique has been reissued and assured that measures have been put in place to ensure full compliance in the coming days.

    Other transport operators in the Volta Region are working with a 10 percent reduction in transport fares, citing the spiking prices of spare parts and the failure of the authorities to see to a reduction.

    A section of spare parts dealers at Abossey Okai has insisted on not reducing the prices of their items, despite the value of the Ghanaian cedi gaining strength against the U.S dollar. This comes after the Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association in the Greater Accra Region directed its members to reduce prices of spare parts.

    A dealer who engaged the media said, “For now, maybe it can’t be possible because we ordered the goods at a certain rate, which is higher than what we are seeing now. With that price we have to sell, and when the goods finish and you are ordering another one with a reduced [exchange] rate, then definitely the prices will come down.”

    The cedi has appreciated sharply by nearly 19 percent between April and May, helping to ease imported inflation pressures and restore public confidence.

    The average interbank rates used by commercial banks for transactions at the close of business, May 23, show the US dollar buying at GH₵11.62 and selling at GH₵11.63. The British pound is buying at GH₵15.60 and selling at GH₵15.62. The euro is currently being bought at GH₵13.11 and sold at GH₵13.12.

    Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi, has insisted that the cedi appreciating against the dollar is due to the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) deliberate policies.

    In a Facebook post on Wednesday, May 20, Sammy Gyamfi outlined a stringent monetary policy stance, fiscal consolidation by the Ministry of Finance, and robust forex inflows and accelerated foreign reserve accumulation as factors influencing the cedi’s stability.

    His remark was a response to a recent statement by former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. Speaking at an event, Dr. Bawumia emphasized that the NDC administration’s policies are not influencing the cedi positively.

  • Transport fares to decrease by 15% from Saturday

    Transport fares to decrease by 15% from Saturday

    Commuters are to expect a 15% drop in transport fares, effective Saturday, May 24.

    This was made known by the Industrial Relations Officer of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), Abass Imoro, while speaking to the media.

    “We have finally agreed to reduce lorry fares by 15%, but it will take effect from Saturday. Although currently spare parts sellers have promised to reduce some of their prices for now, which hasn’t taken effect, and none of the lubricants that went up have been reduced currently, but we decided to peg the reduction at 15%,” he added.

    The reduction follows successful deliberations between the Ministry of Transport and transport operators.

    Other factors include the recent macroeconomic developments, specifically the Ghanaian cedi experiencing sustained appreciation against the US dollar.

    As of May 13, the Ghana cedi appreciated by 16.7% against the US dollar, making it the world’s best-performing currency so far this year.

    However, Minister for Finance Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has cited stringent monetary policy, complemented by aggressive liquidity sterilization, and disciplined fiscal stance anchored around prudent public finance management.

    “In fact, our foreign exchange reserves at the Bank of Ghana reached a record high in April 2025, surpassing targets set under the IMF-supported programme ahead of schedule,” he added.

    Bolstering these efforts, he said, included “enhanced foreign exchange inflows from gold, cocoa, and remittances, alongside a softening US dollar amid global uncertainties.”

    According to Forbes, the dollar has depreciated by 8% in 2025, whereas gold prices have hiked by 23%.

    This has been reported as investors seek safe-haven assets.

    They “have significantly driven the strength of the Ghana cedi,” the sector minister confirmed.






  • GRPTU opposes Interior Minister’s levy on fuel to support GNFS operations

    GRPTU opposes Interior Minister’s levy on fuel to support GNFS operations

    The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has rejected a proposal by Interior Minister and Member of Parliament for Asawase, Muntaka Mubarak, to introduce a fuel levy aimed at equipping the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS).

    Muntaka Mubarak suggested that a 10-pesewa levy per litre of fuel be dedicated solely to firefighting efforts, following widespread criticism of the government’s response to the recent Adum fire disaster in Kumasi.

    “All of us also need to make a contribution, and the way to do that, in my view, is by dedicating just 10 pesewas per litre of fuel solely for fire,” he stated.

    He further revealed that Ghana’s fire service is operating with outdated equipment, noting that the last procurement of new fire tenders was over a decade ago.

    “When I went to the Ministry for Interior, I realised that the newest tender that we have was procured in 2014. That is more than 10 years,” he said.

    However, GPRTU’s Industrial Relations Officer, Abass Imoro, firmly opposed the tax, warning that it would increase the financial burden on transport operators and commuters.

    “We are even expecting a further reduction in fuel prices, which will put us in a better position, but now they want to add 10 pesewas or more per litre? I don’t think any professional driver will welcome that,” he argued. “We plead for a second thought on this.”

    The proposal comes in the wake of a devastating fire at Adum Market’s Blue Light Arena, which raged for two days before being fully extinguished. Affected traders blamed the GNFS for its delayed and ineffective response, claiming that water shortages worsened the situation.

    Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene also condemned the GNFS for its handling of the crisis. In a widely circulated video, he was seen scolding officers for their perceived inaction and failure to disclose that some fire tenders lacked water.

    In response, GNFS Public Relations Officer Alex King Nartey defended the service, stating that the real issue was the lack of government investment. He revealed that Ghana has not received a new set of fire tenders in 15 years, despite international standards recommending a replacement cycle every five years.

    Prior to becoming substantive Minister of Interior, Muntaka Mubarak promised to prioritize retooling the GNFS as part of President John Dramani Mahama’s vision for national security. He cited the government’s manifesto, which outlines plans to provide modern equipment for the GNFS to enhance their operational capabilities.

    “By the grace of God, together with His Excellency, we will ensure that the Ghana National Fire Service is retooled to meet the needs of the country. This is clearly stated in our manifesto on page 186. They need the necessary tools to protect us when the need arises,” he said.

    Meanwhile, Local Government Minister Ahmed Ibrahim has proposed a separate Sanitation Fund and Levy to tackle Ghana’s worsening waste management crisis, arguing that a dedicated tax would help improve sanitation services nationwide.

  • Taxes also influence fare decisions – GPRTU

    Taxes also influence fare decisions – GPRTU

    The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has justified its decision to maintain current transport fares despite a minor reduction in fuel prices, emphasizing that fare adjustments are influenced by several cost elements beyond fuel.

    During an interview on Joy News’ PM Express on Tuesday, March 18, GPRTU’s Deputy PRO, Samuel Amoah, highlighted that expenses related to spare parts, insurance, DVLA charges, and other operational costs significantly impact fare determinations.

    “Before December, we had plans of increasing transport fares—first, because of the high cost of spare parts; then, where the fuel price was also heading; and the cost of lubricants, insurance, and DVLA taxes,” Amoah stated.

    “But we held on, thinking that things would improve because of the promises we had that going forward, things were going to get better.”

    He admitted that fuel prices have decreased slightly but insisted that the reduction does not justify a fare decrease.

    “Yes, we have seen that fuel prices are coming down a little bit. But what I can say is that it has not gotten to the level that would call for a reduction in transport fares.”

    He acknowledged a slight drop in fuel prices but insisted that the decrease is not substantial enough to justify reducing transport fares.

    “Yes, we have seen that fuel prices are coming down a little bit. But what I can say is that it has not gotten to the level that would call for a reduction in transport fares.”

    Amoah also emphasized that fuel costs are just one of several key factors considered when reviewing fare adjustments.

    “We don’t only consider fuel prices to determine our transport fares,” he explained.

    “We have other components, like the cost of spare parts, as I earlier mentioned. We also consider the cost of lubricants, taxes, and other petroleum products.”

    He detailed the procedures the GPRTU adheres to when determining fare adjustments.

    “We normally have a 10% threshold that we check on,” he said. “We compare where the fuel price was and where it has gotten to.

    “Then, we send a team to the market to check where the prices of these other components have moved to. Based on their reports, we determine whether there should be a percentage reduction or an increment.”

    Amoah noted that the most recent fare increase was implemented when fuel prices hovered around ¢12 per litre.

    “If you check the previous time we increased transport fares, I believe the fuel price was around ¢12 per litre—I stand to be corrected,” he said.

    “Looking at it now, diesel is about ¢15.49, and petrol is about ¢14.99.”

    He emphasized that a decrease in fares would only be considered if there was a substantial decline in fuel prices.

    “We are praying that fuel should come down to at least around ¢12 per litre,” he stated.

    “If it comes down to that level, we will also check where the prices of spare parts have gotten to. But with the current cost of spare parts, it will be difficult for us to reduce transport fares.”

    His comments emphasize the intricate factors involved in adjusting transport fares, reiterating GPRTU’s position that fare reductions are influenced by more than just fuel prices, including various operational expenses faced by transport operators.

  • Don’t allow drivers cheat you – GPRTU to Ghanaians

    Don’t allow drivers cheat you – GPRTU to Ghanaians

    The Industrial Relations Officer of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), Abass Imoro, has called on commuters to report any driver attempting to impose unauthorized fare hikes to the nearest police station.

    During an interview on Citi FM’s Eyewitness News on Tuesday, March 18, he emphasized that fare adjustments are solely determined by the GPRTU and the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC).

    “Do not pay any new fare to the drivers when they demand for it and report to the immediate police station. We have laws in the country. There is no law which says any transport operator can come up with it own transport fares. If we allow that, then it means we will be cheating the public.”

    His statement comes in response to the Alliance of Drivers Ghana’s recent announcement of a 20% fare increase, citing rising fuel prices, higher engine oil costs, and the increasing prices of vehicle spare parts.

    However, in a statement issued on March 18, the Road Transport Operators urged the public to disregard any fare adjustments not officially sanctioned by the GPRTU or GRTCC, reaffirming that these are the only bodies authorized to regulate and announce transport fares.

  • Transport operators cancel planned 20% fare increase after meeting with Minister

    Transport operators cancel planned 20% fare increase after meeting with Minister

    Transport operators in Ghana, including the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC), have withdrawn their decision to raise fares by 20% starting March 20, 2025.

    In a statement released on March 18, the group explained that the decision was made after a meeting with the Minister of Transport to discuss issues affecting the transport sector.

    They stated that there is currently no strong reason to justify an increase in fares since the key cost factors in their operations have not risen significantly.

    “We have, therefore, agreed to maintain the existing fares and allow the Government to settle before any further negotiations,” the statement noted.

    “We have, therefore, agreed to maintain the existing fares and allow the Government to settle before any further negotiations,” the statement noted.
    “We reaffirmed our commitment to providing reliable and safe services to all passengers and further agreed to reconvene to reassess the situation and make necessary adjustments should economic conditions change,” the statement added.

    The Road Transport Operators informed the general public that only GPRTU and GRTCC are mandated to negotiate and announce public transport fares in the country. They urged the public to disregard any announcement on increase in public transport fares which is not emanating from them.

  • GPRTU holds off on fare hike talks until new transport minister is appointed

    GPRTU holds off on fare hike talks until new transport minister is appointed

    The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has stated that it will hold off on discussions regarding a possible transport fare adjustment until the President nominates and the Parliament approves a new Transport Minister.

    Abass Imoro, the Industrial Relations Officer for GPRTU, explained in an interview, “If the President is going to choose a Transport Minister, then we will work with the Transport Ministry. So, we are still waiting to see if a Transport Minister is appointed, goes through the vetting process, and is approved. Then, of course, we will write to [him/her] and begin discussions.”

    The union noted that the recent fuel price increases, which occurred for the second time in January, have surpassed the 10% threshold needed for fare hikes.

    The rising fuel costs are attributed to global crude oil price surges and the depreciation of the cedi.

    When asked about the delay in pursuing fare adjustments, Mr. Imoro clarified, “We are far above the 10% threshold that allows us to change transport fares. However, we are not rushing or pressuring anyone. We are waiting patiently.”

    In addition to fare adjustment talks, GPRTU plans to engage relevant stakeholders on the removal of certain taxes on fuel as part of efforts to reduce costs for transport operators and passengers alike.

  • GPRTU unfazed about new electric buses offering reduced transport fares

    GPRTU unfazed about new electric buses offering reduced transport fares

    The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has downplayed concerns about potential competition from the newly introduced electric buses, which promise reduced fares and a more eco-friendly alternative to public transport.

    The electric buses, launched to modernize Ghana’s transportation system, aim to cut public transport costs by 40 to 50 percent while reducing environmental impact.

    On Wednesday, November 27, the government unveiled the first fleet of 100 electric buses for Metro Mass Transit Limited (MMT), marking a significant step toward sustainable mobility.

    Despite this initiative, GPRTU remains confident in its position within Ghana’s transport sector. Abass Imoro, the union’s Industrial Relations Officer, expressed optimism about their resilience, stating:
    “We don’t feel threatened by these electric buses. Our operations have stood the test of time, and we’ll continue to provide reliable transport services to Ghanaians.”

    Meanwhile, experts in the energy sector have urged caution in the rollout of the electric vehicle (EV) system. Benjamin Nsiah, Executive Director of the Centre for Environmental Management and Sustainable Energy, raised concerns about the speed of implementation and challenges that may arise in transitioning to an EV-based public transport system.

    “There is a need to ensure proper planning and infrastructure to support this transition. Moving too quickly without addressing these challenges could create unforeseen problems,” he said.

  • Drivers push through 15% fare hike without GPRTU, ministry’s approval, effective Nov. 2

    Drivers push through 15% fare hike without GPRTU, ministry’s approval, effective Nov. 2

    In a move set to impact passengers nationwide, the Concerned Drivers Association (CDA) has announced a 15% increase in transport fares, effective November 2, 2024. The fare hike, CDA says, stems from soaring vehicle maintenance costs driven by sharp rises in spare parts prices.

    Public Relations Officer David Agboado addressed the decision during an October 29 press briefing, pointing out that vehicle maintenance costs have surged by over 200%, while other operational expenses, like fuel, have increased by around 120%.

    “The reason why we came out with this 15% is because of the high cost of running vehicles. Servicing vehicles, the things for which we are looking at to increase transport fares, are all very, very positive,” Agboado stated.

    Initially, CDA considered a 25% fare increase. However, Agboado explained that the association decided on a smaller hike, considering the election period and the country’s current economic challenges.

    “If we want to go by the percentage, we would be charging 25%. But we have thought it right that things are not normal and we are in an election year too. We don’t want to jeopardise the situation. That’s why we are coming with 15% starting from November 2,” he added.

    The fare adjustment will affect all forms of public transport, from intra-city minibuses (known as “trotro“) to intercity buses, potentially impacting commuting costs across Ghana. According to Agboado, this fare increase will proceed without formal approval from the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) or the Transport Ministry.

    The association justified this decision, comparing it to the spare parts sector, which CDA claims operates without the need for government approval for price adjustments.

    Agboado remarked, “When they [spare parts dealers] increase their products, they don’t go to the Ministry of Trade, but why, when we are about to increase our transport fare, everybody wants us to go and talk to the minister?”

    The Concerned Drivers Association represents 15 smaller transport groups, separate from the GPRTU, which is often involved in negotiating fare adjustments with government authorities. According to Agboado, GPRTU had advised CDA to delay the increase, but CDA intends to move forward. “It’s not everything that we need to engage the Transport Ministry on because we have been back and forth with these issues,” he noted.

    Passengers across the country have been advised to prepare for the upcoming fare hike, which CDA insists is necessary to sustain their operations amidst rising operational costs.

  • GPRTU demands 30% increment in transport fares

    GPRTU demands 30% increment in transport fares

    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.

  • Proposed transport fares are yet to receive official approval – GPRTU

    Proposed transport fares are yet to receive official approval – GPRTU

    The Ghana Private Roads and Transport Union (GPRTU) and the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC) have cautioned commuters against adhering to any proposed new transport fares that have not yet received official approval.

    This advisory follows the announcement by the Transport Operators Union and the Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana of a 30 percent increase in transport fares effective April 13, 2024.

    In a joint press release, the GPRTU and the GRTCC explained that the decision to raise fares stemmed from the government’s failure to address their concerns.

    However, they emphasized that any fare adjustment outside the parameters set by the Administrative Instrument governing the review of public transport fares in the country would be considered illegal and should be disregarded.

    Furthermore, both organizations highlighted their ongoing efforts to engage with stakeholders and the Ministry of Transport to thoroughly evaluate the various cost components and reach a mutually agreeable resolution on the matter.

    “We are by this statement, urging the Regional Administrations, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies and the Station Welfare committees to ensure compliance to the existing fares as no such 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. We will continue to push for the welfare of transport operators.”

    Below is the full statement

    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 this is true.

    As leadership, we have followed with keen interest, the recent adjustment in the fuel prices and other related operational cost. We are currently engaging stakeholders to give consideration to the various cost components and agree on the way forward.

    As has been the practice, the leadership met with the Ministry of Transport on Wednesday 10th April, 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 therefore urge commuters not to pay any fare outside the existing fares.

    We are by this statement, urging the Regional Administrations, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies and the Station Welfare committees to ensure compliance to the existing fares as no such 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. We will continue to push for the welfare of transport operators. IJ

  • Transport fares yet to be revised, pay existing rate – GPRTU, GRTCC to commuters

    Transport fares yet to be revised, pay existing rate – GPRTU, GRTCC to commuters

    The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC) have jointly advised commuters not to pay any new transport fares that have not been officially approved.

    This advice comes after the Transport Operators Union and the Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana announced a 30% increase in transport fares, effective Saturday, April 13.

    In a press release, the GPRTU and the GRTCC attributed the fare increase to the government’s failure to address pending grievances adequately. However, they reiterated that any fare increase outside the parameters set by the Administrative Instrument governing the review of public transport fares in the country is illegal and should be ignored by commuters.

    The GPRTU and the GRTCC also highlighted ongoing efforts to engage with stakeholders and the Ministry of Transport to assess the various cost components involved and reach a mutually agreeable resolution.

    They aim to ensure that any adjustments to transport fares comply with established regulatory frameworks and serve the best interests of both transport operators and commuters.

    “We are by this statement, urging the Regional Administrations, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies and the Station Welfare committees to ensure compliance to the existing fares as no such 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. We will continue to push for the welfare of transport operators.”

  • Passengers to go stranded on Feb. 13 as drivers prepare to strike over VAT on electricity

    Passengers to go stranded on Feb. 13 as drivers prepare to strike over VAT on electricity

    Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has declared its intention to join Organized Labour in a planned demonstration against the implementation of Value Added Tax (VAT) on the domestic consumption of electricity. The demonstration is scheduled to take place on February 13, 2024, despite the government’s recent announcement of the suspension of the VAT.

    In a statement released by the GPRTU, commuters of public transport have been advised to prepare themselves for disruptions in transportation services on the day of the demonstration. The Union has announced that no commercial vehicles under its umbrella will be offering services to passengers during the protest.

    Abass Moro, the Industrial Relations Officer of the GPRTU, reiterated the Union’s commitment to the cause of Organized Labour, emphasizing that their leadership is demanding the complete scrapping of the 15% VAT on electricity without any compromise.

    “We are part of Organized Labour. Our leadership says it doesn’t want any bargaining apart from striking out completely of the 15% VAT on electricity. This is all that our leadership says it wants,” Moro stated in an interview.

    Organized Labour remains steadfast in its stance against the VAT on electricity, asserting that its call for the abolition of the tax is non-negotiable. Despite the government’s announcement of the suspension of the VAT, the union maintains that the tax must be completely scrapped.

    The planned demonstration signifies the determination of Organized Labour and its affiliates, including the GPRTU, to advocate for the interests of the Ghanaian populace and address concerns regarding the affordability and accessibility of essential utilities.

    As preparations for the demonstration continue, commuters are advised to make alternative transportation arrangements on February 13, 2024, due to the anticipated suspension of public transport services by the GPRTU and other participating unions.

  • GPRTU to partner organised labour to demonstrate against VAT on electricity

    GPRTU to partner organised labour to demonstrate against VAT on electricity

    Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has declared its intention to join Organized Labour in a planned demonstration against the implementation of Value Added Tax (VAT) on the domestic consumption of electricity. The demonstration is scheduled to take place on February 13, 2024, despite the government’s recent announcement of the suspension of the VAT.

    In a statement released by the GPRTU, commuters of public transport have been advised to prepare themselves for disruptions in transportation services on the day of the demonstration. The Union has announced that no commercial vehicles under its umbrella will be offering services to passengers during the protest.

    Abass Moro, the Industrial Relations Officer of the GPRTU, reiterated the Union’s commitment to the cause of Organized Labour, emphasizing that their leadership is demanding the complete scrapping of the 15% VAT on electricity without any compromise.

    “We are part of Organized Labour. Our leadership says it doesn’t want any bargaining apart from striking out completely of the 15% VAT on electricity. This is all that our leadership says it wants,” Moro stated in an interview.

    Organized Labour remains steadfast in its stance against the VAT on electricity, asserting that its call for the abolition of the tax is non-negotiable. Despite the government’s announcement of the suspension of the VAT, the union maintains that the tax must be completely scrapped.

    The planned demonstration signifies the determination of Organized Labour and its affiliates, including the GPRTU, to advocate for the interests of the Ghanaian populace and address concerns regarding the affordability and accessibility of essential utilities.

    As preparations for the demonstration continue, commuters are advised to make alternative transportation arrangements on February 13, 2024, due to the anticipated suspension of public transport services by the GPRTU and other participating unions.

  • GPRTU orders drivers to stick with old fares till negotiations are finalised

    GPRTU orders drivers to stick with old fares till negotiations are finalised

    Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has advised its members not to implement any fare increases until negotiations with the government on the proposed 20% fare hike are concluded.

    This advice comes after a meeting between the union and the government failed to reach a resolution. Initially, the union had threatened a 60% fare increase but later agreed to a 20% increment.

    Abass Moro, the Industrial Relations Officer of the Union, has urged transport operators to maintain their current fares while ongoing discussions with the government continue.

    “We made our grievances known, and they also told us their side. Finally, we have to go back and have another meeting. We will use your medium to tell our people [drivers] that where we have got to, we are pleading that they should still maintain what we are taking for now until we come out very clearly.

    “So that nobody will say drivers are taking advantage of them. It’s our business that we are trying to defend,” Mr Moro said on Citi News.

    The Emissions Levy Bill, recently approved by Parliament, mandates an annual fee of GHC100 for owners of both petrol and diesel cars, effective January 2024.

    The government presented this tax bill in Parliament with the aim of encouraging the adoption of environmentally friendly energy sources for vehicle propulsion.

    This move aligns with the government’s commitment to fostering climate-friendly measures and mitigating carbon emissions. In light of these changes, the GPRTU has submitted a petition to the Speaker of Parliament, requesting a reassessment of the Emission Levy Bill.

  • Delay in transport fare adjustment hampering our operations – GPRTU

    Delay in transport fare adjustment hampering our operations – GPRTU

    The Ghana Private Road and Transport Union (GPRTU) has expressed concern over the adverse impact of a delay in announcing an increase in transport fares on its members’ operations.

    Highlighting the recent surge in spare parts and accessories costs, the GPRTU emphasizes the significant burden on commercial drivers. Godfred Abulbire, the General Secretary of the GPRTU, is advocating for an immediate fare adjustment.

    Explaining the situation, Abulbire stated, “Last year [2023], there were serious tax components that had affected all the spare parts, and the cost of spare parts has gone extremely up. Just this year, we had a direct correspondence from the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) that they have revised all their taxes on commercial cars, taking effect in January. And whether we like it or not, all commercial cars will pay,” Godfred Abulbire said in an interview.

    Moreover, Abulbire cited the recently passed Emissions Levy Bill, imposing an annual fee of GHC100 on petrol and diesel car owners from January 2024. The government aims to encourage the use of eco-friendly energy sources, aligning with its commitment to climate-positive actions and carbon offset initiatives.

    In response to these challenges, the GPRTU has submitted a petition to the Speaker of Parliament, urging a reconsideration of the Emission Levy Bill.

  • GPRTU urgently appeals for immediate transport fare increase amidst operational challenges

    GPRTU urgently appeals for immediate transport fare increase amidst operational challenges

    The Ghana Private Road and Transport Union (GPRTU) is urgently requesting an immediate increase in transport fares, citing operational difficulties and the pressing need for a resolution.

    The union pointed out the recent surge in spare parts and accessories costs, underscoring the considerable impact on commercial drivers.

    In a media interview, Godfred Abulbire, the General Secretary of the GPRTU, emphasized the imperative for an immediate adjustment in transport fares to address the challenges faced by their members.

    “Last year [2023], there were serious tax components that had affected all the spare parts, and the cost of spare parts has gone extremely up.

    “Just this year, we had a direct correspondence from the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) that they have revised all their taxes on commercial cars, taking effect in January.

    “And whether we like it or not, all commercial cars will pay,” Mr Abulbire said.

    The Parliament recently approved the Emissions Levy Bill, instituting an annual fee of GHC100 for owners of petrol and diesel cars, effective January 2024.

    The government aims to promote the use of environmentally friendly energy sources for vehicle power, in line with its commitment to climate-positive actions and carbon offset initiatives.

    In response to these amendments, the GPRTU has submitted a petition to the Speaker of Parliament, seeking a reconsideration of the Emissions Levy Bill.

  • GPRTU orders drivers to halt 20% increase in transport fare

    The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has instructed its members to defer the planned increase in transport fares.

    Initially, the union had proposed a 20% upward adjustment in fares starting January 24, 2024, citing the increasing cost of spare parts, logistics, and taxes.

    However, the decision to defer the fare increment suggests a willingness to engage in discussions with relevant stakeholders, as encouraged by Transport Deputy Minister Hassan Tampuli, to find an amicable solution to the challenges faced by the transport sector.

    “So, this is just the tip of the iceberg, so sometimes it gets very heated in our meetings, but at the end of the day, we can come to a compromise.

    “I believe on this occasion it would not be any different from what has happened in the past,” he said on January 18, 2024.

    The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has instructed its members to defer the planned increase in transport fares. Initially, the union had proposed a 20% upward adjustment in fares starting January 24, 2024, citing the increasing cost of spare parts, logistics, and taxes.

    GPRTU has announced that its management and transport operators will engage in a stakeholder consultation with the Ministry of Transport on January 23, 2024, to address the matter comprehensively.

  • Disregard 20% increase by transport operators Transport Ministry to general public 

    Disregard 20% increase by transport operators Transport Ministry to general public 

    Transport Ministry has urged the public to disregard the purported hike in transport fares by transport operators nationwide.

    This comes after commercial Transport Operators in Ghana have declared a 30 percent increase in transportation fares nationwide, starting Monday, January 22.

    They justified the increase by citing significant increases in the costs of lubricants, spare parts, and DVLA service charges.

    “The proposal for a fare increase aims to address the drivers’ financial challenges and ensure the sustainability of the public transportation industry in Ghana,” the commercial transport operators added in the press release.

    However, in response to this, the Ministry of Transport issued a statement dated January 17, 2024, noting that the said increase should be ignored as no agreement has been made between the ministry and the Commercial Transport Operators.

    “We wish to inform the general public that there has not been any negotiation with the transport operators for a review of the transport fares. We therefore urge the general public to disregard the purported increase,” parts of the statement read.

    When an increase becomes necessary, the Ministry said its outfit will make that known to the general public  

    “When it becomes necessary for such negotiations and the decisions are taken, the general public will be appropriately informed, as has been done in the past,” the statement continued.

    Meanwhile, the General Secretary of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), Godfred Abulbire, has announced the suspension of the decision to increase transport fares following an upcoming meeting with the Transport Ministry. 

    The GPRTU initially planned a 20% fare hike by January 24, citing increased spare parts costs and new taxes. Despite the Ministry urging the public to disregard the proposed increase, Deputy Minister Alhassan Tampuli Sulemana stated that discussions with transport operators would take place. 

    GPRTU will assess the situation after the meeting, while a drivers association emphasises ongoing financial challenges and expresses willingness to engage with the Ministry when invited.

  • Transport Ministry dismisses 20% increase in transportation fares; entreats public to disregard

    Transport Ministry dismisses 20% increase in transportation fares; entreats public to disregard

    Ministry of Transport has issued a statement urging the public to dismiss such claims an alleged increase in the cost of public transportation nationwide.

    In an announcement made on Wednesday, the Ghana Private Road and Transport Union (GPRTU) disclosed that during a national management gathering convened at the Trades Union House on January 16, 2024, a unanimous decision was reached. It was agreed that a 20% increase in transport fares would be implemented at all loading points under the Union, with the new rates taking effect from January 24, 2024.

    “This has become necessary as a result of excessive taxes on spare parts adversely affecting our operations due to hike in its prices,” parts of the statement from GPRTU read.

    In reaction to the GPRTU’s announcement, the Ministry of Transport has advised the public to adhere to the existing fares, despite the anticipated increases that may be introduced by commercial drivers in the upcoming days.

    “There has not been any negotiation with the transport operators for a review of transport fares” the Ministry stated.

    It added that when it becomes necessary for such negotiations and decisions are taken, the public will be appropriately informed, as has been done in the past.

    The Ministry of Transport says it will continue to ensure “fair and reasonable public transport fares, keeping in mind the needs of transport operators and the general public.”

  • Transport fares to go up by 60% due to passage of Emissions Levy Bill

    Transport fares to go up by 60% due to passage of Emissions Levy Bill

    Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has restated its commitment to implementing a 60% hike in transport fares starting January 2024, fter the approval of the Emissions Levy Bill in Parliament last year.

    The Union contends that the Levy, designed to impose a yearly fee of GHS100 on owners of petrol and diesel cars, will impose further financial burdens on the operations of their members.

    Abbas Imoro, the Public Relations Officer of GPRTU, conveyed that transport operators were already grappling with financial difficulties in the country. Consequently, he voiced apprehension about the imposition of an additional tax measure.

    “We are already paying for the emission, 10 pesewas for a litre. So, you can imagine 10 pesewas by 4.5 for a gallon by several gallons you use a day times 26 working days in a month. You can imagine how much one driver pays for it. And we pleaded with parliament that they should have a second look at it,” he said.

    “But we did indicate that if nothing is being done or nothing can be done about it, then of course we have other problems as well. We will package ourselves and come out with an upward adjustment of lorry fares not less than 60%,” Imoro added.

    As part of efforts to promote the use of environmentally friendly energy sources for vehicles in the country, government is introducing the Emissions Levy to address climate action and help achieve net zero targets.

    The GPRTU have however opposed the move and petitioned the Speaker of Parliament to reconsider the passage of the Emissions Levy Bill by government.

  • GPRTU petitions Parliament to review recently passed Emission Levy Bill

    Aggrieved members of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) have submitted a proposal to Parliament, urging a thorough reconsideration of the impending Emission Levy Bill slated for implementation in 2024. 

    The union advocates for a comprehensive review, emphasizing its concerns and seeking to engage lawmakers in shaping the future trajectory of this crucial legislation.

    This is after Parliament gave its approval to a bill mandating an annual GHS100 charge on owners of petrol and diesel vehicles, set to take effect from January 2024. This significant development marks a crucial step in the nation’s approach to emissions management and vehicle-related policies.

    Expressing apprehension over an increased tax burden on the transport sector, the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has issued a stern warning, indicating potential fare hikes of no less than 60 per cent. The looming threat underscores the union’s concerns about the financial impact of the additional taxation on transportation services.

    Abass Imoro, the Industrial Relations Officer for GPRTU, expressed optimism about a favourable outcome for their proposal in an interview with Citi FM.

    “We will officially resume on January 12, 2024, from the Christmas break, so we are hopeful that by the time we resume, we might have received a letter from Parliament.

    “In an institution like Parliament, you can’t write to them, and they will overlook it; definitely, we shall hear from them. When we hear from them, then we continue from there.”

    “Let’s all hope for the best because the country is for all of us, and we all wish to live happily. If you say pollution, and you say emission somewhere, I think it’s the grammar that has been changed.

    “It all means the same thing, so we are creating awareness that we are already paying for something on that,” Mr Imoro said.

  • Parliament petitioned to review Emission Levy Bill as GPRTU threatens 60% hike in transport fares

    Parliament petitioned to review Emission Levy Bill as GPRTU threatens 60% hike in transport fares

    The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has announced that it submitted a proposal to Parliament for the reconsideration of the Emission Levy Bill, scheduled for implementation in 2024.

    The Emissions Levy Bill, approved by Parliament, imposes an annual charge of GH¢100 on all owners of petrol and diesel cars, starting from January 2024.

    The government’s objective with this tax is to encourage the use of environmentally friendly energy sources for vehicle power, aligning with its commitment to climate-positive actions and carbon offset initiatives.

    The Union has expressed concerns about the bill, asserting that it will add to the excessive tax burden on the transport sector.

    Consequently, the union has threatened to increase fares by not less than 60 percent.

    The Minority in Parliament had earlier opposed the passage of the Bill.

    In an interview with Citi News, the Industrial Relations Officer for GPRTU, Abass Imoro, expressed hope that the outcome of the proposal would be positive.

    “We will officially resume on January 12, 2024, from the Christmas break, so we are hopeful that by the time we resume, we might have received a letter from Parliament. In an institution like Parliament, you can’t write to them, and they will overlook it; definitely, we shall hear from them. When we hear from them, then we continue from there. Let’s all hope for the best because the country is for all of us, and we all wish to live happily. If you say pollution, and you say emission somewhere, I think it’s the grammar that has been changed. It all means the same thing, so we are creating awareness that we are already paying something on that,” Abass Imoro said.

  • GPRTU to increase transport fares by 60% if govt implements Emissions Levy Bill

    GPRTU to increase transport fares by 60% if govt implements Emissions Levy Bill

    The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has expressed its intention to raise transport fares by 60% in 2024, following the implementation of the Emission Levy Bill in January of that year.

    Mr Abass Imoro, the spokesperson for GPRTU, conveyed this announcement during an interview on JoyNews.

    The recently passed Emissions Levy Bill by Parliament introduces an annual fee of 100 cedis for all owners of petrol and diesel cars, effective from January 2024. The government aims to promote the use of environmentally friendly energy sources for vehicle power, aligning with its commitment to climate-positive actions and carbon offset initiatives.

    Mr. Imoro emphasized that the Union is already grappling with existing taxes, making the addition of another tax unfavorable. He revealed that the Union has communicated its concerns by writing to the Speaker of Parliament, urging the house to reconsider and review the Emission Levy Bill.

    He said, “In the letter, we indicated that if nothing is done about it, we will increase lorry fare by not less than 60%.”

    He added that the adjustment in transport fares is deemed necessary to assist drivers in coping with the potential economic challenges resulting from the introduction of the new tax.

    Earlier, the Minority in Parliament opposed the approval of the Emissions Levy Bill, contending that the tax lacked thorough consideration. Terming it a ‘wusie tax,’ they argued that the levy imposed on various vehicles, including commercial vehicles, private vehicles, ambulances, commercial motorbikes, and tricycles, would exacerbate the already precarious economic situation in the country.

    However, in defense of the bill, Energy Minister Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh asserted that the global trend is shifting away from internal combustion vehicles, and the new levy is a step towards propelling the country into the era of electric vehicles.

  • “Tap and Go” taxi app launched in Accra by GPRTU

    “Tap and Go” taxi app launched in Accra by GPRTU


    A new digital taxi service named Tap and Go has been introduced in Accra by the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) in collaboration with the Office of the Vice President.

    This app, designed to function similarly to established taxi services like Uber and Bolt, is currently undergoing a pilot phase in select areas of Accra before a nationwide rollout in the coming year.

    During the launch on Thursday, December 14, 2023, Nana Nimako Bresiamah, the National Chairman of the GPRTU, expressed gratitude to Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for his involvement in addressing the concerns of Ghanaian taxi drivers.

    The app’s introduction is seen as a timely intervention to protect local businesses that were facing challenges from foreign online taxi services.

    According to Bresiamah, the GPRTU had raised concerns about the impact of foreign taxi apps on their business during a meeting with Vice President Bawumia.

    The Vice President, in response, assured them of finding a solution, leading to the development and launch of the Tap and Go app.

    Bresiamah urged GPRTU members to use the app responsibly, providing quality service to Ghanaians and maintaining the integrity of the union.

    Several taxi drivers at the launch expressed satisfaction with the initiative, thanking Vice President Bawumia for supporting them and revitalizing their business.

    John Kofi Tawiah, a taxi driver, acknowledged the positive impact of the app, stating that it would prevent unnecessary fuel wastage and benefit drivers by eliminating the need to search for passengers.

    George Nii Ayi Tagoe, operating near the University of Ghana, Legon Campus, emphasized the favorable competition the app would bring.

    Samuel Amoah, Deputy PRO of GPRTU, expressed gratitude to both GPRTU leadership and Vice President Bawumia for their responsiveness to the concerns of taxi drivers and their efforts in implementing the Tap and Go app.

  • GPRTU protest against bad roads at Shama

    GPRTU protest against bad roads at Shama

    On Monday morning, protesters in Shama, a town in the Western Region of Ghana, staged a demonstration that led commuters stranded.

    Members of the Ghana Road Transport Union (GPRTU) parked their vehicles in protest of the poor state of roads in the constituency.

    Traditional authorities, who also share concerns about the district’s conditions, joined the drivers in the demonstration.

    This collective action effectively brought all vehicular movement within the district to a halt, causing significant inconvenience and economic disruption.

    John Amoh, the Shama District Chairman of the GPRTU, voiced the drivers’ frustration with the condition of the roads. He expressed that the roads in the district are in a deplorable state and criticized the government for consistently failing to address their concerns.

    Amoh further stressed that the drivers and protesters would continue their demonstration until their grievances are properly addressed.

    Amoh highlighted the government’s broken promises, including the announcement and ceremonial sod-cutting for the construction of a district hospital, which has shown no progress. The protesters feel neglected by the government and are resolute in their determination to persist until their voices are heard.

  • GPRTU ‘cries’ over Tema Motorway; says it’s a death trap

    GPRTU ‘cries’ over Tema Motorway; says it’s a death trap

    The Ghana Private Roads and Transport Union (GPRTU) has issued a warning to drivers, particularly commercial drivers, regarding the deteriorating state of the Accra-Tema motorway, describing the same as a death trap.

    It thus urged drivers to exercise caution while using it. 

    Samuel Kofi Amoah, the Greater Accra Regional Deputy Communication Director of GPRTU, expressed his concerns about the poor condition of the motorway during an interview with Class 91.3 FM’s Ashaiman correspondent on June 30, 2023. 

    He stated that the road is in a state beyond repair and emphasised the need for drivers to be extra careful when traveling on it. 

    According to Mr Amoah, the motorway is riddled with potholes that pose a significant risk to drivers and have tragically claimed innocent lives.

    He specifically mentioned the lack of street lights on the motorway, which further compounds the safety concerns, especially during nighttime journeys. 

    Mr Amoah called on the government to prioritize repair works on the motorway and address the existing issues to ensure the safety of drivers and passengers. 

    The GPRTU’s warning serves as a reminder for all drivers to exercise caution and be aware of the challenging conditions on the Accra-Tema motorway.

  • GPRTU appeals to public to continue paying existing transport fares

    GPRTU appeals to public to continue paying existing transport fares

    After news about the 10% reduction in transport fares broke, commuters were anticipating a reflection on the ground but their joy was shattered.

    This comes after the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) appealed to the general public to continue paying the existing fares until the leadership of the various transport unions convene to take a decision.

    The new rates were supposed to take effect on Wednesday, May 17, 2023. However, many drivers are yet to comply.

    The announcement came as a result of consistent marginal reductions in the price of fuel, providing an opportunity for operators to pass on some savings to commuters to give some financial relief.

    In reaction to the development, the Industrial Relations Officer of the GPRTU, Abass Imoro said, “There was a problem which came out with the reduction of 10%, so we said there should be a cease-fire.

    He told in a Citi FM that “We are pleading with the general public to continue with the old fares till our leadership meets on Monday to look at the way forward.”

  • Maintain existing transport fares for the time being – GPRTU to drivers

    Maintain existing transport fares for the time being – GPRTU to drivers

    Ghanaians anticipating for a 10% drop in transport fares may have their hopes shattered due to some drivers’ refusal to lower fares.

    In a surprising turn of events, the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has appealed to the general public to continue paying the existing fares until the leadership of the various transport unions convene to determine the way forward.

    The reduction in fares, which was set to take effect on Wednesday, May 17, 2023, brought about a sigh of relief among users of public transport.

    The announcement had come as a result of consistent marginal reductions in the price of fuel, providing an opportunity for operators to pass on some savings to commuters.

    However, it appears that some drivers have chosen not to comply with the directive.

    In reaction to the development, the Industrial Relations Officer of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union, Abass Imoro in a Citi Business News interview said “There was a problem which came out with the reduction of 10%, so we said there should be cease-fire. We are pleading with the general public to continue with the old fares till our leadership meets on Monday to look at the way forward.”

  • Maintain current transportation fares – GPRTU to drivers

    Maintain current transportation fares – GPRTU to drivers

    Ghanaians hoping for a 10% drop in transportation rates may be disappointed due to some drivers’ refusal to lower fares.

    In a surprising turn of events, the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has appealed to the general public to continue paying the existing fares until the leadership of the various transport unions convene to determine the way forward.

    The reduction in fares, which was set to take effect on Wednesday, May 17, 2023, brought about a sigh of relief among users of public transport.

    The announcement had come as a result of consistent marginal reductions in the price of fuel, providing an opportunity for operators to pass on some savings to commuters.

    However, it appears that some drivers have chosen not to comply with the directive.

    In reaction to the development, the Industrial Relations Officer of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union, Abass Imoro in an engagement with the media said “There was a problem which came out with the reduction of 10%, so we said there should be cease-fire. We are pleading with the general public to continue with the old fares till our leadership meets on Monday to look at the way forward.”

  • Road toll transparency required – GPRTU to govt

    Road toll transparency required – GPRTU to govt

    In the wake of the reintroduction of road tolls, the government, according to Samuel Amoah, Deputy PRO of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), must ensure robust accountability.

    Mr. Amoah was certain that the government must make it clear how the funds it has collected will be used, and that the reintroduction should be able to ease traffic congestion.

    “Now that they’re bringing it (road tolls), our expectation is that, as a major stakeholder, there has to be some engagement and also to explain to us and to convince us that now, with this new measure that they’re bringing in is going to help in terms of traffic congestion issues, in terms of the leakage that they were talking about.

    “But if today, they just wake and say they’re bringing it without these explanations, or without letting we that we’re going to pay, the assurance of paying the money and what the money is also coming to do for us. That is our problem,” he said.

    Mr. Amoah also indicated that the association does not have a problem with the increment percentage, however, the rollout of the prices must effect some positive change.

    But he explained that during a meeting with the government, the association proposed a 50 per cent increment, saying that a percentage higher than that would be outrageous, in that the government could not sufficiently account for the previous rate when collected.

    He added that with the rollout of new prices, the quality of roads must improve and help decongest traffic situations on the roads.

    After announcing the discontinuation of road tolls in exchange for E-Levy as a measure to resuscitate the embattled economy, the government has now made a u-turn on its decision.

    On Tuesday, March 14, it was announced that roll tolls are set to return but with a revised rate of 88 per cent increment.

    This decision may come to add to government’s quest to find solutions to the country’s fiscal challenges, especially as a request for an IMF bailout and a recent request by the government for external creditors to cancel its debt seem to be in limbo.

    Meanwhile, since the E-Levy which sought to lay taxes on electronic transactions came to replace road tolls, there are now discussions as to whether or not the E-Levy should be scrapped in wake of the reintroduction.

  • Gold4Oil: Our expectations not met – GPRTU

    Gold4Oil: Our expectations not met – GPRTU

    The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has stated that the Gold for Oil policy implemented by the government has not met the expectation of the union.

    Speaking on JoyNews’ AM Show on Tuesday, the union’s Public Relations Officer (PRO) explained that the manner in which the programme was promoted by the government gave them hope of reducing the high cost of petroleum products.

    However, he highlighted that after the policy was implemented, the consumers were not seeing any positives.

    “What we are seeing now is not what we are expecting. Because, if you check on the pump right now, the diesel to the petrol prices are still around 14.5, 14.9 thereabout, hitting 15 cedis per litre. Where it is now will not push us, the transporters to also think of reducing our transport fares.”

    “But we are not seeing it. As it stands now, our expectations are not being met,” he bemoaned to host, Benjamin Akakpo.

    Mr Amoah added that although he acknowledged that there had been some reduction in the prices of petroleum products, it was inadequate.

    He explained that considering the explanation and assurances that government gave in regard to the policy, they, the transporters presumed that at present, the prices of fuel would have been reduced to an affordable level.

    “We are thinking that by this time, the fuel prices will come down to the level that transporters can also think about reducing their transport fares,” he stated.

    Mr. Amoah further stated that the union expected fuel prices to decline to about ¢11.3 before the union could consider reducing fares.

  • Reduced transportation costs in the Volta region

    In accordance with guidelines endorsed by the government and the unions, major commercial human carriers in the Volta Region have lowered their rates.

    The Ghana News Agency (GNA) conducted spot checks and found high compliance despite some complaints that the lower fuel costs had no impact on the cost of spare parts or other inputs.

    To make up for the required 15% decrease, the GPRTU and the Ho Cooperative Transport Society Limited have both lowered the cost of the air-conditioned bus to Accra from GHc 73 to GHc 62. The non-air-conditioned bus ticket has also been reduced from GHc 70 to GHc 60.

    “The fare reduction is a directive from the government and so we have to comply although the prices of spare parts engine oil, and tyres have not changed,” Oliver Nelson Osei, Treasurer of the Ho Cooperative said.

    “It is affecting us seriously, but we have to adjust ourselves,” he added, saying that vehicles owners have threatened to recall their vehicles over of the present industry outlook.

    Mr Osei went on to lament how passenger flow during the season had reduced to less than 40 per cent compared to the same period last year.

    “It’s 1:30 pm and only three Ashaiman cars have loaded. Last year at this time, ten would have been delivered by now,” he said.

    Speaking on measures to ensure safe travel during the season, the Treasurer said a meeting had been called the week prior, where drivers were advised to be cautious and disciplined on the road.

    He said drivers were reminded of the poor visibility of the season and were asked to comply with the Cooperative’s traffic regulations on tyres and other essential systems.

    Mr. Osei said drivers were also asked to comply with the National Road Safety Authority’s rules and guidelines.

    He used the medium to draw Government’s attention to the bad nature of roads linking the Region to the nation’s capital and said road repair works must be properly done to protect the longevity of their vehicles.

    Mr Osei said more police visibility would be required along the eastern corridor as the activities of highway robbers were on the increase and said passengers should help maintain safe speed limits to safeguard lives.

  • Remain calm; we’ll resolve transport fares issues – GPRTU assures

    The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has pleaded with the public to maintain calm as the Union tries to find a solution to the problems with transportation costs.

    On Monday, December 19, 2022, transportation costs were projected to decrease by 15.3 percent.

    According to Road Transport Operators, the cut would affect haulage, intercity (long distance), intra-city (Trotro), and taxi services.

    The new rates were to be adhered to, and they were to be posted at the loading ports, by Commercial Transport Operators.

    However, commercial transport operators are deliberately refusing to comply with the 15.3 percent in fare reduction which kicked off last Monday per directives from the GPRTU.

    The situation has created tension at some lorry stations as well as with intra-city drivers and their travellers.

    Commenting on the issues on Starr News, the Industrial Relations Officer for GPRTU, Abbas Ibrahim Moro reiterated the commitment of the union to compel their drivers to adhere to the new fares.

    “This is the first time we are practising reduction on lorry fare. So, at least let’s give these drivers that benefit of the doubt. Some of them said they are not aware. Some of them are also saying they haven’t really calculated the 15.3 percent on their lorry fare. We believe in dialogue more than any other action. We are planning to talk to the drivers before any action will come out,” Mr. Moro stated.

  • Passengers grateful for transport fare cuts but wish for further reduction

    The Association of Passengers stated that it anticipated the current 15.3% reduction in transportation costs would not be the final drop.

    The group contends that given the daily decline in fuel prices, the transportation companies ought to have further lowered their rates.

    The association applauded the “Parliament Select Committee on Roads and Transport, the Ministry of Transport, Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC), and all other stakeholders for heeding our call and working for the interest of commuters” despite not being satisfied with the decrease in transportation costs.

    It called on drivers to ensure the implementation of the reduction in transport fares across the country, as it will be “monitoring the implementation of the 15.3 per cent reduction in fares.”

    It also urged commuters to be “mindful of the new fares and ensure that drivers do not cheat them.”

  • We have provided public transport operators materials needed to reduce fares – GPRTU

    Public Relations Officer for the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), Ibrahim Abass Moro, has debunked claims by public transport operators that the union has not furnished them with a communique announcing a 15.3% reduction in fares.

    Transport fares were to be slashed by 15.3% today, December 19, but that has not been the case.

    According to public transport operators, the GPRTU has not provided them with the list that displays the new fares.

    Interacting with the Independent Ghana on Monday, Mr Abass Moro stated that the GPRTU has provided the operators the needed materials to effect the price reduction.

    “They are kidding. Each time we increase lorry fares, how do we go about it. It is the same way that the reduction takes place. We have come out with a communique, communicated with all the unions. As usual, they also communicate to their members. Each time we increase lorry fares, the way we go about it is the same way.

    “So if somebody is saying he is not aware, the person is not being (truthful),” he said.

    On the way forward, he stated that ” let us keep educating everybody”.

    Transport fares are being reduced due to a fall in the price of petroleum products at the pumps.

    The decision was taken after discussions between the relevant stakeholders in the transportation sector who took into consideration the plight of drivers, commuters and the general public on current fares last week.

    In a communique dated December 16, the Road Transport Operators advised all commercial transport operators (shared taxis, intra-city, intercity and haulage) to comply with the new fares and post same at their loading terminals.

  • Proposed 15.3% fares reduction was out of compassion – GPRTU

    Industrial Relations Officer for the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), Abass Imoro, has said the decision to decrease transport fares is built on compassion from the association to the public.

    According to Mr. Imoro, the union only saw it prudent to cushion Ghanaians with a reduction in transport fares just when the cost of fuel is also declining.

    Speaking to the media on Friday, December 16, he asserted that the GPRTU has played a paramount role concerning the decision to reduce fares by 15.3% and not solely the works of the Ministry of Transport as circulated.

    “We considered reducing lorry fares because of the reduction in fuel prices. We thought it wise to reduce it to 15 percent which we strongly believe will be an Xmas bonus to all our clients.

    “The Transport Ministry was expecting more than what we have just come out with, and we were also not prepared to go by their demand. This is because, we demonstrated to them that as we speak, there is a very big deficit between the fuel increment from some period up to now and the lorry fares that we also charged from that period up to now, so the passengers are also owing us a lot but what can we do? The passengers are our relatives so we had to do whatever we had to do to sanitize the relationship between us. So we have decided to decrease lorry fares by 15.3 percent effective December 19,” he added.

    He however noted that should prices of fuel at the pumps increase, the GPRTU will have no other option than to do the needful by adjusting fares upwards.

    “The price of lorry fares will remain reduced but if they [the Government] come out tomorrow and increase the fuel price to an extent where we have to change the lorry fares, why won’t we change ours too?” he quizzed.

    The Transport Ministry on Thursday, December 16 asked commuters across the country to anticipate lower transportation costs.

    “We understand that the fares will definitely come down. It is the margin of reduction that we are still negotiating. We are waiting for the next pricing window on Friday [December 16, 2022].

    “So when the new prices are announced, we will see the clearest picture and we will see the percentage margin for the reduction of fares. We do not have the full picture until the window opens on Friday. Hopefully, by Monday, the general public should see a reduction in transport fares,” he added.

    In an interview with the media, the Deputy Transport Minister, Hassan Tampuli, said his outfit is bargaining for a margin that will be equitable to both travelers and transport operators.

    Source: The Independent Ghana

  • 15.3% reduction in transport fares takes effect from December 19

    From Monday, December 19, 2022, there will be a 15.3 percent drop in transportation costs.
    In response, a list of the new pricing was made public.

    This is in response to a decision by Ghana’s public transportation providers, which operate under the auspices of several drivers’ unions, to cut transportation costs by 15.3 percent, as stated in a statement issued on Friday, December 16.

    The operators claimed that the recent drops in the cost of gasoline products influenced their choice to lower the charges.

    The following categories of road transportation operations are covered by the fares, the group continued:

    1. Shared taxis
    2. Intra-city (Trotro)
    3. Intercity (Long distance)
    4. Haulage

    The operators urged commercial transport operators to comply with the new fares and post them at their loading terminals.

    A list of prices that will be charged from Monday, showed that fares that used to be GH¢2, GH¢3, GH¢4, GH¢5, GH¢6, and GH¢10 will now be GH¢1.70, GH¢2.60, GH¢3.40, GH¢4.30, GH¢5.10 and GH¢8.50 respectively.

    View the full list of fares below:

  • Transport fares must come down – COPEC

    Duncan Amoah, the Executive Secretary of the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC), has pleaded with commercial transportation companies to lower transportation costs in response to the recent drop in fuel prices.

    When the first window opens on December 16, 2022, Mr. Amoah predicted that fuel prices would drop to GH15.00.

    Owners of commercial transportation, he claimed, should show some good faith, since this would greatly ease Ghanaians’ current suffering.

    Speaking on CitiTV, Mr. Amoah indicated that, “we would use your medium equally to join the millions of Ghanaians who are clearly waiting for our commercial transport operators to show a sign of good faith with them in these times.

    “The last time commercial transport fares were adjusted, you were looking at fuel prices hovering around GH¢13.00. Then they did the 19% [hike in transport fares], then we jumped to GH¢16.00, diesel went up to about GH¢23.00, and then they [transport operators] came back to add another 20%, which escalated transport fares completely”.

    The COPEC Executive Secretary claimed that if commercial transport providers fail to lower transportation costs, Ghanaians will be thoroughly let down.

    “At this point, diesel is not doing too badly, there has been some GH¢5 reduction, if you add what we are expecting on Friday, it will come to about GH¢15. From GH¢23 to GH¢15, GH¢8 is such a jump. We will be utterly disappointed if any of the commercial transport operators from Friday continue to make excuses that they have made losses in recent times that, so they are not going to reduce transport fares,” Mr. Amoah pointed out.

    He promised that COPEC will speak with transport companies about the need to lower their excessive transportation fares.

    COPEC Executive Secretary said, “this will not be just a radio conversation, we will take steps equally to approach them to explain to them the need to drop the very high transport fares that Ghanaians are currently being charged.

    “Because if your fuel has done almost 30% to 40% drop, in the line of good faith and proper public interest arguments for any of the transport operators including the VVIP to reduce transport fares forthwith. It will be our expectation that the kind of reliefs cedi is throwing to the economy currently, the kind of international benchmarks are throwing at fuel consumers. The commercial ‘trotro’ operators will not go to sleep on this and make excuses, because there will be no justification for them to continue to charge high prices”.

  • Reducing transport fares is dependent on fuel’s next pricing window – GPRTU

    Should fuel prices decline in the upcoming pricing window, the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) says it will lower its rates.

    Should that occur, the Union asserts that they won’t think twice about lowering transportation costs.

    They won’t, however, cut corners and lower prices in an effort to avoid being stung by fuel price increases, according to Mr. Godfred Abulbire, general secretary of the GPRTU.

    Before lowering transportation costs, many factors, in his opinion, would have been taken into account.

    “For now, we will not rush and reduce fares, we need to observe things before we reduce before they increase again, and we are told to increase.

    We are going to observe and by the next pricing window, if the price comes down, nobody will need to tell us to reduce fares,” he said in a media interview.

    The cost of petroleum products has been declining recently, and this trend is projected to continue.

    Analysts predict that prices for gasoline and diesel will fall to 13 and 16 cents per liter, respectively, while liquefied petroleum gas will cost roughly 12 cents per kilogram.

    This development is what has necessitated the demand for a reduction in transport fares.

     

     

  • Transport Minister to hold crunch meeting over transport fares today

    The Minister of Transport is expected to hold a crunch meeting with private transport operators today, December 15, 2022.

    The focus of the meeting will be to deliberate on the way forward with regards to how the latter can reduce transport fares following a decrease in fuel prices.

    Sources close to Mr Kwaku Ofori Asiamah, told the Ghana News Agency that the meeting had become necessary amid persistent calls from the public for a reduction in transport fares following “significant” decline in fuel prices in the last few weeks.

    Fuel prices have declined by about GHS5.00 per litre since transport fares were increased about six weeks ago. At the time, petrol was selling at an average of GHS17.99 while diesel traded at an average of GHS23.49 per litre.

    Currently, petrol and diesel are trading at an average of GHS15.16 and GHS18.78 respectively.

    In Ghana, most commercial vehicles run on diesel.

    In spite of the downward decline in prices of petroleum products, transports operators have refused to reduce transport fares, claiming that prices of other variables, including spare parts and lubricants have not decreased.

    The situation has sparked public outcry as commuters continue to demand a reduction in transport fares to correspond with the decline in fuel prices.

    Some have argued that the decline in petroleum products would be “meaningless” to the suffering masses if transport fares remained the same.

    Meanwhile, in an interview with the GNA, Mr Abass Imoro, Head of Communications, GPRTU, said the Union would reduce transport fares if fuel prices declined further.

    “We have not pegged any figure yet but we will reduce when prices go down further,” he said.

    Mr Imoro confirmed that the Union would meet the Transport Minister on Thursday to discuss the way forward, adding that the transport operators are looking forward to a fruitful deliberation on the issue.

    In an earlier interview with the GNA, Mr Kofi Kapito, Chief Executive officer of the Consumer Protection Agency, described the decision by the transport operators not to reduce transport fares as worrying.

    He said transport operators “are short-changing passengers” and appealed to the Government to intervene to bring relief to consumers.

    “I think it is fair for the transport unions to come back to the table and see what they can do for passengers who use their transport.” Mr Kapito said.

    Market analysts have projected that prices of petrol and diesel could drop further in the coming days to about GHS 13 and GHS 16 per litre respectively, in the wake of the cedi’s appreciation against the dollar, and a decline in prices of petroleum products on the international market.

    Source: GNA

  • Traders admit to overpricing their products amidst hikes

    Some traders at the Dome Market in Accra have admitted to overpricing their products in order to stay in business in the wake of the current economic crisis.

    They disclosed this during an interaction with the Independent Ghana’s Jessie Ola-Morris, who paid a visit to the market. The visit followed speculation that some traders are taking advantage of the economic crisis to price their products at exorbitant rates in order to make more profit.

    Ghana’s economic woes continue to worsen unabated, despite various measures taken by the government to curb inflation and mitigate the hardships. Inflation remains high, and the prices of fuel and other essential commodities continue to surge.

    A (25-litre) gallon of vegetable oil, which was selling for GH¢360 at the beginning of the year, was increased to GH¢600 in October and is now going for GH¢1,000 and over.

    A bag of 5kg rice which was previously sold at GH¢40 at the beginning of the year is now GH¢105 and above.

    Latest statistics from the Ghana Statistical Service indicate that the national Consumer Price Inflation (CPI) for the country reached a startling 40.4 percent rate in October 2022.

    The hikes in fuel prices and the poor performance of the cedi against major currencies are the main contributing factors to the hikes in food prices.

    As an import-driven economy that largely relies on international currency such as the U.S dollar ($), demand for such currencies has peaked in recent times, weakening the local currency (i.e the Ghana Cedi).

    The dollar, which used to sell at GHC5.87 at the beginning of the year, is now selling at GH¢113.11 (interbank rate) and GH¢114.85 at the forex bureau.

    Amidst the hardships, traders have been accused of compounding the woes of the ordinary Ghanaian by overpricing their products in order to make enormous profits.

    During a visit to Dome Market, some traders refuted the claim, however, others also conceded to overpricing their products in order to stay in business.

    A baby diaper retailer, Auntie Yaa, who asserted that traders are not to blame for the development, explained factors that largely affect the pricing of products.

    She used herself as an example to demonstrate how the cost of transportation heavily influences her pricing strategy.

    Auntie Yaa mentioned that she buys a pack of diapers at GH¢100 from the wholesale shop and slaps an amount of GH¢10 on each pack to cover the operational cost, which includes the cost of transport and other expenses involved in getting the products to their final destination (i.e the Dome Market).

    “[After] I deduct these expenses from the GH¢10 I’m able to make a profit of GH¢5 from each pack, then I’m okay,” she said.

    She was however baffled over the fact that the prices of the products are not stable on the market: “You make a purchase today and the next day you go back to the market to buy the same product and the price has shot up drastically, that disturbs us a lot,” she lamented.

    Her other concern was with how some traders hoard their products and sell them later at exorbitant prices when demand is high. She, thus, called on the government to implement measures to curb such activities.

    Another trader, Mary Oforiwaa, did not mince words about the fact that some unscrupulous traders are taking advantage of the free market to overprice their products.
    “Undoubtedly, times are hard and when we lament we are told Ghana is not the only country facing an economic crisis but I think we traders are part of the problem. We are doing what we like. Even with transportation that is regulated by GPRTU, every driver has his (/her) own fare they charge, so the government is not solely to blame for the hardships. And with traders, we also price our products how we like,” she said.

    Proposing a solution, she called on the government to implement a strategy adopted by the Rawlings regime. Recall that during the Rawlings administration some traders hoarded their products with the intention of selling them later at higher prices when the demand was high.

    However, the former President found this out, went for the products and conducted a clearance sale on them. Going down memory lane to her
    youthful days, she mentioned that “growing up I witnessed the Rawlings regime and during that time, if you hoard your products with the intention of selling them later at an outrageous rate, Rawlings comes for the goods and sells them cheaply – ‘Donkomi’ (to wit clearance sale) – but this government has been dormant in this regard and as a result, everyone is doing what they like.

    “But I believe things will go according to how it’s supposed to be when the government adopts the late former president’s strategy. There are traders who also have to consult other traders before they issue prices for their goods, and all these are not helping,” she lamented.

    Kwabena Asiedu Nketiah, the third trader who spoke to the Independent Ghana, acknowledged that he prices his products at exorbitant rates, however, he
    attributed the development to the cedi-dollar depreciating rate and gross economic mismanagement by the government.

    “Looking at the rate at which prices of products are increasing these days it’s above normal but then the dollar-cedi rate affects the prices. We import the products with dollars, so when the cedi falls against the dollar, the prices of our products also go up,” he added.

    Additionally, he explained that overpricing the products was the only way to stay in business. According to him, traders risk losing their capital if they do not
    toe this line.

    “With business, it is wrong to wait for your old goods to finish, go for another one before you increase the price of your products. You’ll run at a huge loss if you do that.

    “The moment you hear of a price increment, you instantly have to adjust your prices to the new rate otherwise, you’ll collapse your business,” he said.
    Ghana operates a free market. A free market is one where voluntary exchange and the laws of supply and demand provide the sole basis for the economic system, without government intervention.

    A key feature of free markets is the absence of coerced (forced) transactions or conditions on transactions. Consequently, traders largely decide how their products are priced.

    We (the Independent Ghana) discovered that some traders are taking advantage of Ghana’s liberal market to overprice their
    products.

    To curtail this, Martha Ofosuhemaa, another trader, suggested that the government should be keen on consulting manufacturers and market women regarding
    regulating the prices of products on the market.

    She believes the solution to addressing the exorbitant rates at which goods are priced largely lies with manufacturers and market women.

    If the prices of every product are embossed on its packaging, this will significantly help in regulating them to make them affordable, she noted.

    “Take coke for instance, if the manufacturer writes on the label that the small bottle should be sold at GHC 3.50 pesewas, we traders will go for it and know that that is how we are supposed to sell it so
    we will,” she said.
    “Government should also speak to the market women. I believe if such consultations and negotiations are held regularly, the prices of products on the market will drastically reduce,” she added.

    Overpricing in one sector of the economy affects all other sectors since they are interrelated.

    Astronomical hikes in fuel prices influence transport fares, which in turn affect the prices of products on the market. This comes back to bite the ordinary Ghanaian since it escalates the cost of living.

    Consequently, Ghanaians continue to lament over the hardships and have on various occasions appealed to the government to roll out measures to check these developments on the market.

  • GPRTU introduces ‘MYGHTAXI’ digital platform to support taxis, trotros

    MYGHTAXI, a brand-new digital platform, has been introduced nationwide for commercial vehicles.

    In collaboration with a local provider of technology solutions, the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) offers the digital platform for commercial taxi and trotro drivers.

    The digital platform is consistent with the GPRTU’s efforts to enhance customer service and the operations of transport company operators nationwide.

    The platform should make it easier for commercial drivers to use technology to get paid for their services.

    A statement issued by the GPRTU, introducing the digital platform, urged drivers under it, “to download freely the GHTAXI DRIVER application from Google play or Apple store, and subsequently register by following the steps provided by the application.”

    Applications will be approved by the technical staff after the team “verifies” the “documentation process” of drivers.

    The GPRTU, therefore, urged “every single individual to help promote the MYGHTAXI digital platform.”

  • Aburi: Passengers accuse GPRTU of unreasonable fare increases

    Passengers in Aburi, in the Eastern region’s Akuapem South district, are at odds with transport operators over exorbitant road transport fares.

    They  are blaming the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) for absurd increases in transportation costs.

    Speaking to the media, some concerned youth in Aburi expressed their displeasure that transportation fares from Aburi to any part of the nearby areas are exorbitant in comparison to other places, despite the city’s good roads.

    A 23-kilometer road from Aburi to Madina now costs Ghc13.60, while a 26.9-kilometer road from Madina to Dodowa costs Ghc10.

    The youth argued that transport fares from Aburi to Madina shot up during the reconstruction of the Tetteh Quarshie to Mamfe road two decades ago due to the diversion of the road through Kitase-Brekuso to Kwabenya.

    However, drivers failed to reverse the GHC2 additional increment agreed upon with passengers after the road’s construction, instead unfairly raising the fares.

    This, they say, is worsening the plight of the people and also affecting businesses and tourism.

    Fred Odei Addo Duodu, Secretary to the youth group demanded immediate reduction in transport fares else the youth will rise.

    He further stated that “it is our fervent prayer that our demands today on paper must translate into a renewed action by the transport unions to expose those unscrupulous drivers who charge exorbitantly based on their own discretion, push for bolder policies to flush out drivers who disregard the approved general pricing principle by the transport unions”.

    Some opinion leaders in the community said they have made several efforts to petition the Greater Accra Regional GPRTU executives and Akuapem South District Chief Executive, but the GPRTU has failed to act on their grievances.

    Residents have given a one-week ultimatum for the fares to be reduced or else they will stage a massive demonstration, and subsequently expulse recalcitrant drivers from plying into Aburi township.

    However, some of the drivers told Starr News, they can’t not be blamed because they only implement fares approved by GPRTU.

     

  • Spare parts price increment to affect transport fares – GPRTU

    The Ghana Private Roads Transport Union (GPRTU) has threatened to raise transport fares once again as a result of the newly imposed Value Added Tax (VAT), which is driving up the price of spare parts.

    Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, while presenting the 2023 budget in parliament on Thursday, November 24, 2022, announced a 2.5% increase in VAT, as part of government’s several means of “aggressively mobilising domestic revenue” that will be used to “directly support our [Ghana’s] roads and digitalization agenda.”

    Following the minister’s announcement, many Ghanaians, particularly traders, were dissatisfied because the 2.5% increase meant a jump in VAT from 12.5% to 15%, a development they are aware will have a significant impact on the costs of goods and services.

    Unhappy about the upward adjustment, a member of the GPRTU, Samuel Amoah, in an interview with the media, stated that spare parts imported into Ghana are liable to VAT.

    A GPRTU member, Samuel Amoah, reacting to the development, voiced his displeasure over the upward adjustment in a media interview and claimed that because imported spare parts are subject to VAT, his organisation would inevitably bear the brunt of the increase.

    According to Mr. Amoah, importers of spare parts will soon be compelled to raise their prices, which will have an impact on the cost of maintaining GPRTU vehicles and ultimately on transportation costs. 

    Mr Amoah noted that the GPRTU considers four factors before increasing fares, including the increment in spare parts, lubricants, taxes, and fuel prices.

    “Anytime we want to increase our fares, we go down there to check all those components to see how much it has increased percentage-wise before we also do our calculation.” he said.

    Transportation costs have increased by more than 40% since the start of 2022, and the GPRTU attributes this rise in part to the ongoing rise in the cost of petroleum products.

    In January of this year, petrol and diesel were trading at an average of GH¢6.9 and GH¢7.0 per litre, respectively, at the local pumps.

    Currently, a litre of diesel is selling at GH¢20.25, whiles a litre of petrol is GH¢16.07.

    However, the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) is projecting a decline in the prices of petrol and diesel at the pumps.

    Source: The Independent Ghana

  • Today in History: Fuel taxes not meant for development – Benjamin Nsiah

    The Head of Research at the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC), Benjamin Nsiah, stated that fuel taxes are not to be used for development.

    He said: “One thing that worries COPEC is that we don’t mind paying taxes on fuel to develop Ghana but paying these taxes to offset debts of institutions that are not pulling their weight is a worry. Officials in these agencies do not execute their mandate and lazy about only being paid GH¢40,000 and GH¢25,000 a month.”

    Read the full story originally published on November 12, 2021 by happyghana

    Head of Research at the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC), Benjamin Nsiah, says petroleum products are the engine of growth for any economy but argues the case is different in Ghana.

    Instead of developing with its petroleum and oil resources, the country is only retrogressing, he posits.

    In Ghana, there are 11 taxes, levies and margins on every litre of fuel purchased and this totals GH¢2.43 pesewas which are purposed towards the smooth operation of the government and its agencies.

    “One thing that worries COPEC is that we don’t mind paying taxes on fuel to develop Ghana but paying these taxes to offset debts of institutions which are not pulling their weight is a worry. Officials in these agencies do not execute their mandate and lazy about only being paid GH¢40,000 and GH¢25,000 a month.”

    “The Ghanaian pays 49pesewas on every litre of fuel purchased and this goes into the Energy Debt Recovery Levy. This money is used to pay the debt of TOR, people who mismanaged the economy and their work, and this debt only keeps on rising. The debt incurred by the Energy Sector is being paid by the struggling trotro driver although employees in the sector are being paid to make profits for the nation.”

    Some Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) have increased the price of fuel by about 10 pesewas. A litre of petrol is currently being sold at about GH¢6.90 at most fuel vending stations.

    In the midst of the upward adjustments, the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has urged drivers not to increase lorry fares.

    These developments have made drivers agitated. They have stated their unpreparedness to continue to put up with the high cost of fuel.

    Sixteen driver unions are demanding that the government scraps some taxes on petroleum products otherwise they will withdraw their services.

    Speaking in an interview with Don Kwabena Prah on Happy98.9FM’s Epa Hoa Daben political talk show, he indicated that a pesewa is paid to the Energy Commission for every litre of fuel purchased.

    “The Energy Commission is to advise the government and citizenry on the efficient use of energy but when was the last time you heard them promote the safe use of energy? The Commission makes GH¢23 million annually from taxes but they sit and do nothing and only pay themselves huge sums, using the rest to attend conferences in Glasgow whiles the petroleum consumer suffers.”

    According to Benjamin Nsiah, the Ghanaian is tired and can no more take this insensitiveness from the government and pay for government inefficiencies.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • We’ve not lost control – GPRTU on high transport fares

    Industrial Relations Director of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), Alhaji Abass Imoro, has debunked the notion that GPRTU has lost control over their drivers at a time they unilaterally increase transport fares.

    He nonetheless stated that there is little the association can do under the current circumstance in terms of the inconsistent transport fares.

    “We have not lost control; it is rather those in power who think they can just push anything and run over drivers who have gotten it wrong. The drivers increased the fares themselves and they will take steps to rectify it” he mentioned.

    The current fuel hikes have led to a sharp increase in transport fares and general cost of living in Ghana.

    Transport fares have gone up officially by at least 40% within two weeks, but however, passengers are surprised with inconsistencies in the fares for same route.

    Such inconsistencies have resulted in serious altercation between some passengers and commercial transport operators which is reported to have caused the death of a passenger in Accra.

    The drivers attribute the situation to the incessant increases in fuel prices and blame the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) for unceremoniously increasing fuel prices twice outside the agreed pricing window.

    In an interview with Alfred Ocansey on 3FM Sunrise Morning Show on Monday 7 November 2022, Alhaji Abass Imoro said that the drivers are charging their own fares on the basis of how they are being hit by the cost of running and maintaining their transport business.

    He added that, the high cost of living and the price hikes of goods and services are compelling the drivers to respond accordingly.

    In his personal view, the Industrial Relations Director of GPRTU stated that it is better the members are working than to park their cars. “If they can charge reasonable and serve Mother Ghana, the better,” Abass Imoro stressed

    “The voice of the people is the voice of God. The drivers themselves have decided and seriously, there is no way we can return it. Unless those who have control over NPA will reason up with them and do something about the fuel prices. The drivers have promised that anytime they increase the fuel, they will also increase the lorry fares.” He said on 3FM Sunrise.

    He added that fuel prices have recently gone up a little over 100% in Ghana whereas other neighboring countries have had relative stability in fuel prices. “I am surprised nobody has spoken anything about that increment of fuel on 26th and 29th of October.”

     

  • ‘No more announcement of increment, henceforth when fuel prices increase we’ll also review ours – Commercial drivers

    Some frustrated drivers in the Greater Accra Region have pledged to review their prices anytime there is fuel increments in the country.

    According to them, they will not wait on the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) to engage with government on the upward adjustment percentage.

    Speaking to Accra-based TV3, one driver argued that, Oil Marketing Companies (OMC) don’t give any announcement prior to the increment of fuel, thus, drivers don’t need to alert government about their transport fares as well.

    “We wake up and petrol and diesel prices have been increased. Do the operators announce their decision to increase it? So why should we inform government about our decision to increase transport fares?

    “Nowadays, we will just make things simple. If we go to the filling stations and fuel prices have increased, we will just increase our fares as well,” one angry driver told the journalist.

    This comes after the Concerned Drivers Association increased transport fares for the second time in two weeks.

    Drivers on Saturday, October 29, started the implementation of the 19% increment in transport fares. At the time a litre of diesel and petrol was sold at ¢15.99 and ¢13.99.

    A litre of diesel now sells at ¢23.49 and petrol sits at ¢17.99.

    This has forced drivers to unilaterally increase transport fares again without any consultation with government.

    The drivers bemoaned the state of the economy. Describing it as terrible, one driver asked, “Where are we going? Does government want to kill us?”

    Considering the impact of skyrocketing prices of fuel on the economy, one driver suggested that government should revamp the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) to prevent the import of expensive fuel.

    “Things are really getting out of hand so this move will help to an extent.” Meanwhile, the GPRTU says it will not make any public comment on the matter until a meeting is held.

    Source: Myjoyonline