The regional chairmen of the Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana and other unions have issued a week ultimatum to the Transport Minister, Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) chairman and the C-DAG Chairman to stop VIP drivers from unilaterally increasing transport fares, or face a fare hike of their own by Monday.

Speaking at a press conference, Western Regional Chairman of C-DAG, A.K. Boafo, said the union’s regional chairmen and other driver groups have given their national leaders, including the GPRTU Chairman, C-DAG National Chairman, and Transport Minister Hon. Joseph Bukari Nikpe, until Monday to act.

Boafo alleged that VIP drivers have raised fares by 50% on routes such as Accra to Kumasi, despite buying fuel at the same price as other drivers.

He noted that drivers reduced fares earlier when fuel prices dropped, but did not increase them immediately when prices went up. Now, he said, trotro and taxi drivers are struggling because their earnings barely cover costs, making the work difficult.

“Now the trotro and taxi drivers are suffering. After sales, what is left is small, and that is making the work difficult for them,” Boafo said.

He called on the Transport Minister to intervene immediately, adding that the Minister holds office because of drivers.

Central Regional Chairman Kwesi Arhin also criticized VIP, OA, and other operators who have increased fares, saying they are not better than other drivers and all buy fuel at the same price.

He urged the government to address the situation and called on the Transport Minister to engage VIP, OA, and Neoplan drivers to reverse the hike. “If they don’t stop, we will also increase our fares. They are not better than us,” Arhin said.

Report by Bernard K Dadzie Greater Accra Region