Regional chairmen of the Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana (C-DAG) and allied transport unions have issued a strong warning over what they describe as unilateral increases in transport fares by some VIP bus operators, without consultation with key stakeholders in the transport sector.
In a joint statement signed by the Ashanti Regional Chairman, Kwabena Joe (Akwadaa Nyame), the Central Regional Chairman, Kwesi Arhin, and the Western Regional Chairman, K. Boafo, the unions expressed concern over what they say is growing imbalance in fare regulation within the transport industry.
The unions argue that while some VIP operators have increased fares at will, commercial drivers operating across cities and districts continue to grapple with rising fuel prices, spare parts costs, taxes, and vehicle maintenance expenses without any approved adjustments to fares.
According to the statement, this disparity is creating tension among transport operators and confusion among commuters nationwide.
The unions have therefore issued a one-week ultimatum to the Minister for Transport, leadership of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), and the national leadership of C-DAG to intervene and halt what they describe as arbitrary fare hikes by VIP operators.
They warned that failure to address the situation by Monday will compel their members to implement a 20% increase in transport fares nationwide.
“We are law-abiding citizens and professionals who believe in dialogue and fairness, but we will not sit unconcerned while some operators are allowed to take unilateral decisions that affect the entire transport industry,” the statement noted.
The unions are urging the Ministry of Transport and all relevant stakeholders to urgently engage transport operators to prevent a possible disruption in the sector and ensure fairness in fare adjustments across the board.
