The National Chairman of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union ( GPRTU ), Nana Nimako Bresiamah has confirmed that all private transport operator unions have started taking the new 20 per cent increment charges.
This is despite the fact the Ghana Road Transport Corporation Council (GRTCC) opposed the 20 per cent increment.
The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) announced few months ago that there would be a 30- per cent increment in transport fares by Friday, May 13, 2022.
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This was after all efforts to get the government to reduce taxes on petroleum products had failed.
Due to this, they resorted to increasing transport fares to at least make up for their losses.
Although the GPRTU proposed to increase the fares by Friday, May 13, 2022, some drivers had started charging passengers new fares.
This did not sit well with the leadership of the Ghana Road Transport Corporation Council (GRTCC), hence they urged the public not to pay the 20 per cent new charges until all negotiations are through and stakeholders arrive at a reasonable solution.
Speaking on Atinka TV‘ morning show, Ghana Nie with Ekourba Gyasi Simpremu, Nana Nimako Bresiamah said the GPRTU did not rush to increase the fares but it had become necessary due to the circumstances around the fuel prices.
He said while negotiating with the Minister of transport and other stakeholders on the fuel price, the Minister promised that they will try to reduce the fuel prices or the taxes on petroleum products as requested.
However, after a long back and forth, they realised fuel prices had shot up and so they had to resort to the increment.
Nana Nimako Bresiamah said although they proposed a 30 per cent increment earlier, the GPRTU maintained 20 per cent considering the public and the operators.
When asked if all the operators were charging the new prices and his reaction towards those who were opposing the 20 per cent increment, he said they were all taking the new charges.
“We are taking the new fare. All private transport unions are taking the 20 per cent increment, no one is taking less than that,” he said.
Ghana| Atinkaonline.com| Porcia Oforiwaa Ofori