The Ministry of Transport has urged Ghanaians to disregard any purported increase in public transport fares in the country effective Wednesday January 24, 2024.
According to the Ministry, the Government had not had any negotiation with the transport operators to review transport fares.
In a press release dated Wednesday January 17 2024 and signed by the public relations unit, the Ministry of Transport reacted to some sighted publications in the media by the commercial road transport operators claiming an increase in public transport fares.
“We wish to inform the general public that there has not been any negotiation with the transport operators for a review of the transport fares. We therefore urge the general public to disregard the purported increase”, the release noted.
The release further stated that the general public would be appropriately informed when it becomes necessary for such negotiations and decisions to be taken.
Background
The Ghana Private Road and Transport Union (GPRTU) and the Commercial Transport Operators of Ghana threatened to adjust transport fares upwards by 20% across all loading points of the union.
The union attributed the move to increasing cost of spare parts and other logistics essential for their activities and the new emission levy which was introduced by government. According to the union, these developments will put financial strain on transport operators.
The Emissions Levy Bill, approved by Parliament, imposes an annual charge of GH¢100 on all owners of petrol and diesel cars, starting from January 2024.
In a related development however, the GPRTU has instructed its members to temporarily suspend the proposed increase in transport fares in anticipation of a stakeholder consultation with the Ministry of transport on January 23, 2024, to address the issue.
Source: MOI (PR Unit)
