Transport fares are expected to go up by Monday, October 25, according to the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU). The percentage at which the increment would be done is immediately not known but according to the Union, it is as a result of the fuel price increment.
The Industrial Relations Officer of GPRTU, Accra branch, Alhaji Abass Imoro, said they have met with the Transport Ministry on the issue and the only thing left for them is to increase the fares by next week. “The rate at which our fuel prices are increased, I don’t want to preempt anything because there could be another increment soon,” he stated.
Earlier, the Union had warned that it would soon consider an increment in transport fares should the current trend of fuel price increments continue.
The Union noted that at the last increments in transport fares, they had projected up till December 2021 for any varying decision but the rate at which fuel products are being increased arbitrarily, they may be compelled to increase it before December.
Effective Sunday, October 17, a litre of fuel cost GH¢6.80 at some pumps, a situation which has caused many a Ghanaian anxiety.
Reacting to the issue on 3FM’s Sunrise on Wednesday to host Alfred Ocansey, Alhaji Imoro said “do not blame us if we increase it”.
“Government came up with a sharing policy and we have done our part but they have not. So, hopefully, by next week, we shall increase transport fares.”
Alhaji Imoro said, “as we speak now, those who are not in any union have increased their fares. The floating trotro drivers have increased their fares”.
Energy expert Kojo Poku said, “the government is not taking the impact of fuel price increase seriously”.
He said all the levies on fuel products have transferred unto the consumer, making life difficult for Ghanaians.
Mr Poku urged the media to prevail on the Finance Ministry to render accounts to the people of Ghana on the stabilization levy.
“The Finance Ministry must account for the GH¢1.26 billion Price Stabilization Levy”.
By Kweku Antwi-Otoo|3news.com|Ghana
