By Evans Worlanyo Ameamu
Ho (V/R), June 2, GNA-The Volta Regional Chapter of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has denied authorisation of a 20 per cent increase in lorry fares and warned other driver Unions against unilaterally implementing fare hikes that could destabilise transport services in the region.
The GPRTU stated that the purported fare increment circulating on social media and in some motor parks does not have the backing of the union’s leadership and should be disregarded by drivers and commuters alike.
Mr Awilo Attito, the Public Relation Officer (PRO) of the Volta Regional GPRTU, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), said the union’s executive council had not mandated any general fare review.
“The GPRTU follows established consultative processes before approving any change in fares, including meetings with transport owners, drivers and stakeholders. Our leaders will meet on this particular issue on Thursday for any challenges,” he said.
He explained that any adjustment in fares must be informed by a formal assessment of operational costs such as fuel, spares, and maintenance, and must be communicated to members through official channels to prevent confusion and profiteering.
The Volta GPRTU chapter therefore urged drivers who have been presented with the so-called 20 per cent increment to refrain from enforcing it and to report any attempts at coercion by individuals claiming to represent the union.
Mr Awilo warned other transport unions and informal groups in the region against implementing independent fare increases without first engaging the GPRTU and the Transport Ministry, adding that, such unilateral actions risk fragmenting the transport sector and undermining consumer confidence.
He said: “We are appealing to commuters to remain calm and to report any incidences of arbitrary fare collection to the nearest police station or to the GPRTU regional office so that appropriate sanctions could be applied to errant drivers or union officials.”
The regional leadership also announced plans to organise a meeting within the coming weeks to review the cost pressures on lorry operations and to explore sustainable measures that protect both drivers’ livelihoods and commuters’ interests.
In the interim, the GPRTU said it would intensify monitoring of motor parks across the Volta Region and deploy disciplinary measures against members found guilty of enforcing unauthorised fare hikes, including suspension or expulsion where necessary.
The Union further called on the Ministry of Transport and the National Road Safety Authority to expedite efforts to address structural challenges facing the transport industry, including rising fuel costs and inadequate road infrastructure, which it said contribute to pressure for fare increases.
Mr Awilo emphasised that transparent dialogue and negotiated agreements remain the best path to resolve fare disputes and urged all transport stakeholders to shun sensationalism and social media rumours that could inflame tensions.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Benjamin Mensah