No approved transport fare increase yet — GRTCC General Secretary
The General Secretary of the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC), Emmanuel Ohene, has clarified that no decision has been taken to increase transport fares despite reports of ongoing discussions among transport operators.
According to him, while consultations have begun with various transport unions and stakeholders, the council has not sanctioned any fare adjustment.
Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Mr. Ohene said the council would hold a meeting to assess the situation and determine the way forward through the appropriate negotiation processes.
“I have heard the conversations about the planned increment. I have engaged some of the transport operators. We will meet this morning over the planned increment. My association has not sanctioned any increment,” he stated.
He emphasized that any decision regarding transport fares must be based on careful deliberations and consensus among stakeholders.
“We will meet and make the necessary plans and negotiations,” he added.
Mr. Ohene further explained that June 1 marks the start of a new fuel pricing window, making it premature to announce fare increases before the full impact of fuel price adjustments is assessed.
“Today, June 1, is the beginning of a new pricing window. If we rush to increase fares and it turns out that the pricing window exceeds the 20 per cent adjustment, then transport operators could be at a loss. On the other hand, if the increase does not reach 20 per cent, then passengers would be unfairly charged,” he explained.
He urged transport operators to await guidance from Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) regarding fuel price movements before making any decisions on fares.
“We need to wait on the OMCs for the pricing window. If you decide to increase fares based solely on fuel prices, the impact is very minimal because other operational costs must also be considered,” he said.
Mr. Ohene stressed the need for caution, noting that all relevant factors must be carefully evaluated before any fare adjustment is approved.
“We must pull the brakes and make all the necessary considerations before any increment,” he added.
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