The Concerned Drivers Association (CDA) claims it could have announced a transportation fare increase of more than 30% but had to settle for 20% because worker salaries have not increased.
Although the association wished that transportation charges could remain unchanged, it stated that it had no choice but to raise prices since it was losing money.
In an interview with Eyewitness News on Monday, Concerned Drivers Association Public Relations Officer (PRO) David Agboado stated, “the last increase was done in February 2022.” At the time, fuel was sold at GH¢7.99 per litre, but now it goes for GH¢11.30 per litre. Look at fuel prices, the cost of tyres, and lubricants, these warrant a 30% increment, but we all said wages have not been increased so if we do it that way, it will be hard on everyone, so we agreed to start with 20%.”
Some commercial drivers at bus terminals are already charging 20% extra on transport fees ahead of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union’s (GPRTU) planned increase in transport rates on Friday.
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Many Ghanaians are concerned about the scenario, claiming that it would have a severe impact on their finances.
“Negotiation for possible fare increment started in March 2022, and we’ve written to the Minister of Transport four times, but there was no positive result and because we are business people, and we don’t want our business to collapse we have to act. We don’t want to run at a loss, so we did what is right,” Mr. Agboado said.
Mr. Agboado also replied to a directive issued by the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC) requesting that Ghanaians disregard a 20% increase in transportation prices.
The CDA PRO stated that Emmanuel Ohene-Yeboah, the GRTCC General Secretary who signed the statement, “is not doing transporters’ bidding.” He’s doing something for his own personal gain. We are serious business-minded people and will do what is right for the driving public.”
SOURCE:CITINEWS
