The Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana (C-DAG) has announced a 40% increment in transport fares across the country from Monday, January 17, 2022.

Contained in a press release dated January 10, the Association noted that the upward adjustment has been occasioned by the situations which are beyond the control of drivers currently.

“We hereby communicate to Ghanaians to prepare for an upward adjustment of transport fares in the country with effect from Monday, January 17, 2022.”
C-DAG)

The Association explained that it commiserates with Ghanaians on the current economic hardship. However, in in a bid to keep them in business, they are left with no other option “but to adjust transport fares a little upward which is a 40% increment”.

C-DAG noted that the increment is influenced by a number of factors including the price of fuel at the pumps, the increase in the prices of vehicles and the increment of spare parts and lubricants.

“It must be noted that we also experience the economic conditions of the country. It has become extremely difficult for us to manage our homes as prices of basic commodities, including sachet water have also seen an upward increment”.
C-DAG)

Following this, the Association urged Ghanaians to embrace the new prices. It encouraged Ghanaians to avoid fighting drivers and their conductors when the new fares are implemented.

“It will be recalled that a little over a month ago, drivers nationwide embarked on a sit down strike which negatively affected commuters. Even though the Chief of Staff, Frema Osei apparently on behalf of government met with drivers’ union and promised a reduction in the prices of petrol, but unfortunately that promise had not materialized”.
C-DAG)

Drivers bemoan increase in fuel prices

According to the Association, they are rather witnessing a consistent “increment” in fuel prices and sadly government has failed to waive off the “tax component” on the petrol prices.

Citing issues on increment of spare parts and lubricants coupled with “poor roads”, it indicated that drivers are “heavily burdened” as they have to consistently change vehicle parts.

“Essential engine parts and lubricants have also had their prices increased”.
C-DAG)

On December 5, 2021, the Coalition of Commercial Transport Owners announced its intention to embark on a nationwide indefinite strike that was to begin on Monday, December 6, as part of measures to compel the government to scrap some taxes on fuel to enable reduction at the pumps.

According to the Coalition, the government for some weeks has failed to heed its calls for some taxes to be scrapped off hence the decision to embark on the sit-down strike.

The group asked its members to put on red armbands to register its displeasure with the government.

The coalition of private transport operators consists of Ghana Private Road and Transport Union (GPRTU), Association of Tipper Truck Drivers, Harbor Transport Owners, Ghana National Cargo Transport Association, Ghana Committed Drivers Association, Concerned Drivers Association, Digital Drivers, Commercial motorbike riders, popularly referred to as Okada, the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers among others.

The group’s spokesperson, Abass Imoro then admonished the government to find a lasting solution to the hikes in fuel prices.