Barely 24 hours after the announcement by some transport unions of a 30% increase in fares, the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has denied sanctioning the increment.
Speaking with Umaru Sanda Amadu on Accra-based Citi FM, General Secretary of the Union, Godfred Abulbire, said even though they have had interactions with the two unions, they have not approved the 30% increment in the fares.
According to Mr. Abulbire, fuel prices are not the only formula used to determine transport fares but a mixture of other components, including the prices of spare parts, after which they agree with the Ministry of Transport on a percentage increment.
“Our position is that fuel prices have gone up, which must be equated to fare increment. But that is not the only component we consider when adjusting prices, “he stated.
He rebuked the two transport unions for not following the due process in demanding an increase in fares. He claimed that they did what they did because of their own interests.
Notwithstanding the denial of the 30% increments, Mr. Abulbire pointed out that the leadership of the GPRTU will go back to the drawing table and follow their procedures to determine the new rates of increase for the fare. He, however, did not disclose how much the new rate would be, adding that it would be more or less than 30%.
“A committee has been set up to do the fact-finding for the report to be submitted to the Minister, so we agree. But settling on a particular margin and timeline now will create fear and panic, “he emphasized.
On Wednesday, two unions, Concerned Drivers Association and True Drivers Union, announced in a statement that they have the approval of their parent association, the GPRTU, to increase fares by 30%, blaming it on the increase in prices of fuel and spare parts and the government’s mismanagement of the economy.
