Accra: Mr. Lawrence Awilo Attitoe, Vice Chairman of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) in Ho, has firmly dismissed reports of a 20 per cent transport fare increase as false and unauthorized.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Attitoe stated in an interview that no transport union, including the GPRTU, has approved any fare adjustment. He emphasized that the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC) lacks the authority to unilaterally declare fare increases. His remarks were in response to a GRTCC press release, signed by its General Secretary, Mr. Emmanuel Ohene-Yeboah, and Acting Chairman, Alhaji Tanko, announcing a 20 per cent fare hike effective Friday, August 8.
Mr. Attitoe insisted that the directive should be disregarded, stressing that no driver union is implementing any fare increase. He explained that GPRTU's national office confirmed no meeting had been held to consider or approve the proposed increase and insisted that decisions on fare adjustments are made collectively by driver unions, not the GRTCC.
He further elaborated that the GRTCC does not represent them, and any fare adjustment requires consultation among the unions and with the Minister for Transport. He mentioned that the Automatic Adjustment Formula, which previously guided fare reviews, was abolished by the former government, making consensus and consultation essential.
Mr. Attitoe acknowledged the impact of the recent GH?1.00 per litre fuel levy but urged patience, expressing hope for a decrease in commodity prices rather than prompting fare hikes. He also warned that any union implementing the proposed hike would face legal consequences.
Meanwhile, the GRTCC has justified the fare increase, citing rising operational costs due to the new fuel levy, lack of price reductions in spare parts, and worsening road conditions that have escalated vehicle maintenance expenses.
