In a press release issued, the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC) firmly rejected recent reports claiming an imminent increase in transport fares.
Both organizations labeled these reports as “misleading,” suggesting that such falsehoods could be a deliberate attempt to incite unrest among commuters.
The GPRTU and GRTCC emphasized that no decision regarding fare adjustments has been reached, and no discussions on the matter are currently underway.
The press release, signed by GPRTU General Secretary Godfred Abulbire and GRTCC General Secretary Emmanuel Ohene Yeboah, sought to clarify the stance of the transport bodies on the alleged fare hike.
“Our attention has been drawn to news going around in some media houses headlined Transport Operators announce 15% increase in fares effective 2nd November, we wish to place on record and for the information of drivers and the general public that no such decision has been taken, and neither the GPRTU nor the GRTCC have negotiated for any fare increments.”
Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU)
Concern Over Potential Discontent
Meanwhile, the General Secretary of the GPRTU Godfred Abulbire earlier today has registered his disbelieve in the purported information going around various platforms about the increase in fuel prices within the country.
‘’I think from where I got involved in fuel increment, we don’t deal with issues yet to come. What we know is that the [moment the pump] prices change [it then] legally triggers off other components which we do consider as factors to consider in terms of fares increment.’’
Godfred Abulbire General Secretary of the GPRTU
However, the recent fuel issue has become a worry among Ghanaians, and they anticipate while confirming the fears of many as they struggle amid several economic challenges within the country. However, then Godfred Abulbire’s emphasis demonstrated a collaborative work ethic within the GPRTU members.
Prices of Lubricants; Purported Decrease
Meanwhile, Godfred Abulbire agreed that they always look at the prices of lubricant and spare parts together before they go ahead to increase fuel Prices. However, some concerned Ghanaians have envisaged in the limelight that the purported decrement, whether current or expected prices could result in a shift in prices, in terms of lowering the prices or otherwise. Meanwhile, some have raised concerns that the exchange rate will eventually mitigate any expected measures and that the gains may be eroded.
On this note, he carried about the fuel prices. He assured ‘’nothing is going to change’ indicating that would be no increase at all.
Godfred Abulbire further clarified as to whether there has been any collective decision of GPTRU with other stake institutions, which he said; ‘’It is a collective decision of the two main bodies.’’
”The situation as we are now would not call for a fair increment. Even if at all the factors even change and go up.’’
Godfred Abulbire General Secretary of the GPRTU
Concerned Drivers Association Disparity
Although Godfred Abulbire indicated that there be no increase at all until the end of the year. However, there seems to be a disparity because the concerned drivers grouping, are saying, they think a 15% margin should be in the often.
”We disagree with them, it is not the first time; they have been saying so, [and] whatever they say on air [does it] materialize? It is not… their actions do not lead to any results.’’
Godfred Abulbire General Secretary of the GPRTU
However, if one takes a look at the purported statement issued by the concerned Drivers’ associations, it is indicated that it is a joint release by the road transport operators which further fueled the various media reportage with headlines that these transport operators are increasing fuel prices effective on 2nd November.
”It would be an illegality; the word illegality would have to be [put] in context. It is not first of its kind that they have come to do public nonsense.’’
Godfred Abulbire General Secretary of the GPRT
Commuters Versus Drivers
The concern then is, what happens if commuters pick a car and drivers who may or may not be part of (the GPRTU) Association decide to increase the fare, what do they do?
‘’… that is illegal, we have mention that. There is nothing that you can measure as the factor that triggered out [the] increment as of now.’’
Godfred Abulbire General Secretary of the GPRTU
Godfred Abulbire urged transport unions to avoid considering a fare hike, advising them to wait until tangible economic factors justify such an action.
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