The Ghana Private Roads Transport Union (GPRTU) has raised concerns over its inability to engage with the Ministry of Transport as confusion continues to grow within the public transport sector.
Public Relations officer for the GPRTU, Samuel Amoah, revealed that the leadership of the union had attempted to contact the Ministry of Transport earlier today, but the meeting could not be arranged.
He expressed hope that discussions would take place tomorrow to address the escalating situation.
“The leadership was trying to get in touch with the Ministry of Transport today, but it couldn’t be arranged,” Amoah explained in an interview.
“I believe that by tomorrow, the leadership of the GPRTU will meet with the Ministry to discuss this matter and find out whether the GRTCC has consulted them or if there has been any form of engagement between the GRTCC and the Ministry,” he noted.
The public transport confusion stems from the unclear roles of the GPRTU and the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC) in managing transport services.
Amoah is concerned that the lack of communication between the two bodies and the Ministry is leading to significant misunderstandings, both among drivers and passengers.
“If there has been no engagement, then the Ministry needs to call a meeting with all relevant parties, including representatives from the GRTCC,” Amoah continued. “We can then sit down and discuss the issues before Friday.”
The central issue, according to Amoah, is the confusion surrounding which vehicles belong to the GPRTU and which fall under the GRTCC.
This uncertainty, he claims, is confusing both drivers and passengers, who are simply boarding any available vehicle without knowledge of its affiliation.
“Drivers and passengers out there don’t know which vehicles belong to the GPRTU and which belong to the GRTCC,” Amoah said.
Mr Amoah explained that commuters simply board vehicles without knowing which union or association the vehicles belong to.
He stressed that this lack of transparency in the sector is creating unnecessary confusion, which could escalate if not addressed soon.
“All they know is that the vehicles come, and they get on board. This shouldn’t happen — one party cannot be increasing transport services while another denies doing so. It will only lead to more confusion.”
