Some Transport Unions have expressed divergent views on the percentage increase in transport fares. This follows a meeting held by the Transport Unions on Tuesday, October 26, 2021 to determine when the expected increase will take effect.
Two of the transport unions; the Concerned Drivers Association and the Ghana Private Road Transport Union, GPRTU agreed to have the increase take effect after November 1, 2021 when the government is expected to take a decision on a proposed reduction in some petroleum taxes, including the Price Stabilization and Recovery Levy.
On the expected percentage increase in transport fares, the two groups could not settle on a figure.
The Head of Communications of the GPRTU, Abass Imoro told Nathaniel Nartey that the Union did not agree to a 20% increase as speculated by the Concerned Drivers Association.
‘’Everybody should wait, after November 1, we will come out with a reasonable decision. We are dealing with politicians and the government in power can decide to add anything before November so let’s be patient…..we have never said anywhere and when we met, we never mentioned 20% so we pleaded with them (the Concerned Drivers Association) to reconsider their position’’, he stated.
Meanwhile, the Concerned Drivers Association insists all parties present at yesterday’s meeting including the GPRTU agreed to a 20% increase.
Public Relations Officer of the Association, David Agboado said the Association is ready to work with the GPRTU and other Unions to bring finality to the issue.
“I still have the press release with me when we all agreed on the 20%. The 20% is what we all decided on, but GPRTU is saying because the government says it will take off some taxes it will make the fuel prices reduce a bit, so they are going to think of that and see whether the 20% will be decreased”, according to PRO of the Concerned Drivers Association David Agboado talking to Nathaniel Nartey.
