The Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana (C-DAG) has announced plans to increase transport fares.
In a press statement issued, the association noted with dismay that traders have failed to reduce prices of goods even when the transport sector reduced fares by 15 percent.
According to them, they are disappointed because prices of stationery have been increased when schools reopened recently.
“We learnt with an utmost shock, the levels at which the prices of exercise, notes and textbooks at the various bookshops.”
C-DAG also noted that, “Government has also failed to keep stable the prices of petrol and the dollar rate.”
“On top of our predicament, the government through the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) announced a 29.96 percent and 8.3 percent in electricity and water tariffs respectively.”
“Inflation is also hovering around 54.1 percent.”
Read the full Press Release.
Planned Increment of Transport Fares
We have learnt with regret the continued increment of prices of goods and services in the country.
Much to our dismay, sellers have failed to reduce the prices of their goods even after we reduced transport fares by 15 percent. The prices of foodstuffs and vegetables keeps soaring at the various local markets. A development that our earnings cannot compensate.
We have become more startled even as a result of the prices of stationery, that which we have experienced at the reopening of schools. We learnt with an utmost shock, the levels at which the prices of exercise, notes and textbooks at the various bookshops.
We are really wobbling in a difficult situation to provide these kind of books for our children.
Government has also failed to keep stable the prices of petrol and the dollar rate.
There’s been some levels of increment in the prices of petrol with an imminent increment expected at the beginning of February as forecasted by experts.
It must be noted that, the prices of lubricants and spare parts have also not been reduced. Our colleagues in the transport sector chain who sell spare parts at Abossey Okai have made it clear to us that they are not able to reduce their prices as a result of the dollar rate.
So, even though we reduced transport fares not too long ago, we have determined that we have placed ourselves at a disadvantaged position.
On top of our predicament, the government through the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) announced a 29.96 percent and 8.3 percent in electricity and water tariffs respectively.
Inflation is also hovering around 54.1 percent.
So, at this stage we are left with no option but to reintroduce the 15 percent reduction of transport fares we instituted.
We encourage Ghanaians to agree with us when the reintroduction takes effect.
Signed: Kwasi Arhin, Central Regional Chairman
Akwadaa Nyame, Ashanti Regional Chairman