The Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana, together with other transport unions, has called on the Minister of Transport, Hon. Joseph Bukari Nikpe, to take immediate action against drivers who have unilaterally increased transport fares.
According to the Association, the unauthorized fare hikes are causing undue hardship for passengers and could trigger conflicts at various lorry stations across the country.
Speaking to the press in Accra, the President of the Concerned Drivers Association, Paa Willie, warned that if the Ministry fails to intervene, more drivers will be emboldened to increase fares without approval.
Citing a recent incident, Paa Willie alleged that drivers plying the Accra-Kumasi route were told upon reaching Kumasi that fares had been increased. When they returned to Accra and applied the new fares, it resulted in heated confrontations with passengers.
“The GPRTU has made attempts to stop those drivers from increasing fares, but they are handicapped. Only the Transport Minister has the authority to deal with this issue,” he stated.
Paa Willie also commended President John Dramani Mahama for maintaining fuel prices, noting that drivers’ unions are satisfied with the government’s efforts in that regard. However, he stressed that the Minister must act swiftly to ensure that drivers do not use fuel prices as an excuse to exploit passengers.
“We are okay with what President Mahama has done with fuel prices. Now we are asking the Transport Minister to step in and order drivers who have increased fares to reverse them,” he added.
The Association is urging the Ministry of Transport to enforce approved fare regulations and sanction drivers who flout them to prevent further tension in the transport sector.
Report by Bernard K Dadzie, Greater Accra Region
