Drivers can no longer absorb rising fuel costs — GPRTU threatens 30% fare hike

The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has given notice that transport fares could increase by 30 percent if the government fails to address the continuous rise in fuel prices.

The Union said the increasing cost of petrol and diesel, coupled with high prices of spare parts, lubricants and taxes, is placing enormous financial pressure on commercial drivers, leaving many with little or no income after purchasing fuel.

Speaking on Accra-based JoyNews on Monday, July 27, the Deputy Public Relations Officer of the GPRTU, Stephen Amoah, said the Union's leadership is seeking an urgent meeting with the Ministry of Transport but cautioned that a fare adjustment would be inevitable if no action is taken.

"Where the fuel price is now, it's not helping at all. It's not helping at all. The driving sector is not happy about the current prices that we are seeing," he said.

Mr. Amoah explained that the Union had earlier given the government a three-day ultimatum to intervene and reduce fuel prices, cautioning that failure to do so would trigger a 30 percent increase in transport fares.

He said although the deadline expired last Saturday, the government had yet to respond, prompting the Union to pursue further engagement with the Transport Ministry before taking a final decision.

"The three days that we gave the government ended last Saturday. Today, as I'm speaking to you, we've not heard anything from them. But the leadership is moving to see the Transport Ministry to find out from them what is really the problem."