Private transport operators in the country have agreed to increase fares by 20 percent. This increment, takes effect today. The development comes after series of engagements among members comprising the Ghana Committed Drivers Association, International Drivers Road Transport Union, True Drivers Union and the Concerned Drivers Association.
A joint statement issued by the operators said the increment has been necessitated by different factors including new taxes on fuel, the cost of vehicle spare parts and charges levied by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA). The statement noted that a gallon of fuel which used to be sold at the pump for 24 cedis 52 pesewas is now sold at 27cedis 22 pesewas.
In addition, prices of spare parts and DVLA charges have shot up considerably. With these developments, the private transport owners stated that should there be any further delay in increasing lorry fares by at least 20 percent, their transport business will collapse. The statement urged commuters to cooperate with them as the new fares take effect. The transport unions said although an agreement had been reached that transport fares will increase only twice each year, they have resolved to increase the fares anytime fuel prices, cost of spare parts and other operational costs rise in order for their businesses not to collapse.
The Ghana Private Road and Transport Union (GPRTU), which is the largest transport organisation in the country is not part of this decision. The Union has for the past week been engaging the Ministry of Transport to agree on the percentage of fare increase following the introduction of new taxes on fuel.
