Deputy Minister for Transport, Alhassan Tampuli Sulemana, has revealed plans to engage with transport operators to discuss the proposed increase in fares.
The minister explained that such discussions are part of an ongoing arrangement between the government and transport operators.
Factors contributing to a potential fare increase will be thoroughly considered during these discussions, taking into account the impact on lorry fares and other relevant considerations.
“Normally, you would bring all these things and we also look at them realistically. Is DVLA actually charging any new rate? As far as we know, no. Have the taxes kicked in? As far as we are concerned, the taxes have not kicked in”.
During the AM Show, he expressed the need to initiate discussions with Godfred Abulbire, the General Secretary of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union, using the appropriate channels.
He highlighted that such discussions typically take place at the Ministry of Transport, providing a platform for all stakeholders to come together and address relevant issues.
“It is even possible that all of these things put together will bring up the fare more than 20%. Is it likely that it would come down below 20%? Let’s have a conversation. This is not difficult,” he said on Thursday, January 18.
However, Godfred Abulbire clarified that the Ghana Private Road Transport Union had previously submitted a petition to Parliament in November of last year.
“We didn’t talk about the other taxes on the other one but these two components we heard. We were even to get it on the website and we printed it out before we submitted the petition but the minister is saying that, we should have as usual petitioned to the parliament through them.”
Mr. Alhassan Tampuli Sulemana stated that they have an excellent relationship with the transport operators, and this is not an issue that should break their bond.
The Minister said that despite the challenges facing the transport sector, he remained committed to maintaining a good relationship with transport operators.
He stated that this issue should not damage the bond between the government and the transport sector, and that a solution could be reached through open communication and collaboration.
“Let’s have an engagement like we have been doing in the past, let’s do it again.”