The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has issued a stern warning to commercial drivers regarding the implementation of unauthorized fare increases.
Abass Imoro, the union’s Public Relations Officer, clarified during a recent television interview that any driver unilaterally raising prices is acting illegally and engaging in the “cheating” of the public. He emphasized that transport fares are strictly regulated and that the last official adjustment was a 15% reduction, with no subsequent increases approved by the Ministry of Transport or the union.
To maintain transparency, the GPRTU highlighted that all legitimate fare changes are communicated through formal press releases and media broadcasts. The union is now calling on commuters to play an active role in enforcement by refusing to pay any amount above the officially sanctioned rates.
Mr. Imoro suggested that if passengers collectively refuse to patronize vehicles charging illegal fees, drivers will be forced to comply with the law. This directive comes amid a surge in traveler complaints across urban centers, where some operators have been accused of taking advantage of high seasonal demand to inflate costs.
The GPRTU has also appealed to law enforcement agencies to step up their monitoring and ensure that offending drivers face the necessary legal sanctions.
By fostering a partnership between the union, the public, and the police, the GPRTU aims to restore discipline and fairness within the public transportation sector, particularly during the busy holiday period.