The government is set to hold crucial discussions with transport unions over their plans to increase transport fares in response to the continuous rise in fuel prices. This engagement follows mounting concerns from transport operators and commuters about the economic strain caused by fluctuating fuel costs and other operational expenses.
The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), one of the country’s largest transport unions, recently issued a statement asserting that the conditions for fare adjustments have been met due to the consistent fuel price hikes throughout January. According to the union, the continuous increase in fuel costs, and other rising expenses, have made it financially unsustainable for commercial drivers to maintain current fares without an increment.
Minister for Transport, Joseph Nikpe Bukari assured the public that the government is committed to engaging all relevant stakeholders to find a balanced and fair solution.
“Tomorrow, we will be engaging them, and so I wouldn’t want to say anything about them until I have fully engaged them. But they are cooperating,” he stated.
He further noted that transport unions have shown willingness to collaborate, urging their members to allow negotiations to proceed. “They have written to their colleagues to give us some time, meaning that we are in the process of having a better understanding as to how much they would charge our passengers. I have their trust that they will work with us, and we will get to some agreement that will be beneficial to all of us,” he added.