According to the Ghana Transport Operators Union, Unaffiliated Drivers Are Responsible for Unauthorized Fare Increases

The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) is blaming independent drivers who are not affiliated with any official transport union for the unauthorized public transport fare increases experienced in the country recently. Union officials stated that these drivers use rising operating expenses and fuel prices as an excuse to set their own fares. The GPRTU has strictly warned its members to avoid such fare increases. In discussions held with the Ministry of Transport regarding the issue, it was advised to be patient, noting that fuel prices are expected to drop in the near future. Accordingly, it is requested that all necessary legal steps be taken to end this opportunism by non-unionized drivers working 'freely'.

Samuel Amoah, Assistant General Secretary of the GPRTU, emphasized in a statement on Adom FM's morning program that the drivers' independent decisions to increase fares have no legal basis. Amoah stated that, as a union, they had previously held consultations with the Ministry of Transport and raised the issue of increasing operating costs. However, he relayed that the ministry did not deem it appropriate to approve any fare increases, citing potential drops in fuel prices. Proving the approach justified, Amoah confirmed that fuel prices indeed dropped subsequently. In line with this consensus reached with the ministry, all GPRTU member drivers were instructed to keep their fares fixed.

Meanwhile, the union management notes that 'free' drivers, particularly those operating in major cities and not registered with any professional organization, are acting irresponsibly. These drivers take advantage of situations where passengers are stranded in traffic or at terminals, applying exorbitant prices for their personal gain. Amoah noted that this opportunism victimizes passengers and causes a synthetic increase in general transportation costs in the market. Stating that some drivers increase fares by claiming that damaged roads cause wear to their vehicles, the official said this cannot be a unilateral justification. The GPRTU argues that all these exorbitant practices must urgently end to ensure order in the transport sector.

According to the transportation laws currently in effect in Ghana, all commercial vehicle operators are obliged to be members of a recognized transport union in order to operate. However, it is noted that this law is not sufficiently enforced in practice and that inspections are weak. The GPRTU has complained to the Ghana Police Service, demanding a solution to the violation of this law by independently working drivers. The union wants the police to enforce the relevant laws more strictly and to prevent unregistered transport by increasing inspections. Furthermore, a call was made for drivers who are not members of an existing union to either join an existing organization or form new recognized groups. Through this, it is stated that everyone can be represented in meetings where transportation policies are determined and fare tariffs are reviewed.

In conclusion, GPRTU officials warned that if the government and law enforcement do not apply the necessary sanctions, these unauthorized fare increases will be unstoppable. The officials are concerned that unregistered drivers continuing to work in this manner without any penalty could also encourage unionized and rule-abiding drivers to follow suit. It is emphasized that if the actions of unaffiliated individuals go unsanctioned, compliant drivers might also start ignoring the approved tariffs. It is noted that this situation could lead to a nationwide transportation crisis and a loss of trust. For all these reasons, the urgent and decisive implementation of legal regulations is seen as essential for the healthy functioning of the sector.