GPRTU, Transport Ministry resume talks over proposed 30% fare increase today

The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and the Ministry of Transport are expected to return to the negotiating table today, September 22, over the Union’s proposed 30% increase in transport fares.

The discussions follow an inconclusive meeting between the two sides as they seek to reach an agreement on the proposed adjustment.

GPRTU announced the intended increase earlier this month, citing rising fuel prices, taxes and other operational costs affecting commercial transport operators.

However, the Union has rejected reports suggesting that the proposed fare adjustment has been suspended.

Deputy Public Relations Officer of the GPRTU, Samuel Amoah, told Citi News that no agreement had been reached with the government to halt the proposed increase.

“There has never been any agreement with the government that we are suspending our proposed increment,” he said.

Mr Amoah explained that the Union’s most recent engagement with the sector Minister took place last Friday but ended without a conclusion, leading to the scheduling of another meeting for Tuesday, September 22.

“The last meeting we had with the minister was last Friday and that we were still negotiating the 30 percent increase but there wasn't any conclusion so prior to that we were asked to postpone the meeting to Tuesday, September 22,” Mr. Amoah said.

“There has never been any agreement that says we are not going to increase fares,” he reiterated.

He said the outcome of the latest meeting with the Ministry would determine the next step regarding the proposed fare adjustment.

Mr Amoah also disclosed that GPRTU members had been instructed not to participate in a planned sit-down strike by the Progressive Transport Owners Association (PROTOA), which was scheduled for yesterday over rising vehicle maintenance costs.

The GPRTU’s proposed 30% fare adjustment is intended to help commercial transport operators manage increasing expenses, including fuel, vehicle spare parts, lubricants and taxes.