Akatsi (VR), Feb. 18, GNA-Public transport fares within the Akatsi South Municipality of the Volta Region, have remained unchanged despite a recently proposed 30 per cent transport fares increase by the Private Commercial Transport Operators.
The driver unions in the Municipality during a tour by the Ghana News Agency (GNA) on Friday, February 18, said, “no official communique was sent to us from our authorities and that no new charges will be effected until further notice.”
They also indicated they were in anticipation for the changes in transport fares due to the continuous fuel price increase in the country.
Mr Godwin Kwawumey, a commercial transport operator, when contacted said the new developments needed urgent attention for their business to also survive.
A statement issued by the Private Commercial Transport Operators, stated the new increase would take effect today, February 18 across the country.
However, Mr Kwawukumey told the GNA that the recent increment did not allow the unions to increase transportation fares due to a convention that transport associations had engaged government, but no concrete decision was arrived at.
Mr Mensah Kadzaku, a driver at Akatsi Dzodze Station, shared a similar view, stating that “once we have not had any directive from our leaders, we will not increase the fare.”
Currently, a litre of fuel at some major filling stations is being sold for GH¢7.990.
Also, leadership of the Ghana Private Roads Transport Union (GPRTU) and others who are operating under the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council, would be meeting government on Monday, February 21, to find an amicable solution to the disturbing development.
The increase in the prices of fuel is triggering the need for an upward review of public transport fares.
GNA