GPRTU blames unaffiliated drivers for unauthorised transport fare hikes

The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has attributed recent unauthorised transport fare increases to commercial drivers operating outside recognised transport unions.

Speaking on Adom FM’s morning show, the Deputy Secretary of the GPRTU, Samuel Amoah, said some drivers had increased fares on their own, citing rising operational costs such as fuel prices and the high cost of spare parts.

Mr Amoah disclosed that the union had earlier engaged the Ministry of Transport over concerns about increasing operating expenses but was advised to hold off on any fare adjustments because fuel prices were expected to decline.

“We wrote to the Ministry of Transport for clarification, but they asked us to exercise patience because fuel prices would come down, and indeed they did,” he said.

Following the discussions, he noted that the union instructed its members not to increase transport fares since no agreement had been reached with the relevant stakeholders.

“After that, we informed our members not to increase fares because there had been no consensus on any adjustment,” he added.

Mr Amoah acknowledged that some drivers had complained about the poor condition of roads and the damage caused to their vehicles. However, he insisted that these challenges do not justify unilateral fare increases.

“Some of our members complain about the roads they operate on and the impact on their vehicles, but we do not believe that should be a reason to increase fares when no official decision has been taken,” he stated.

He emphasised that Ghana’s transport laws require all commercial transport operators to belong to recognised transport unions before they can operate.

According to him, many of the unauthorised fare hikes are being carried out by so-called “floating drivers” who are not affiliated with any recognised transport association.

Mr Amoah said some of these drivers exploit situations where passengers are stranded by charging higher fares for personal gain.

“Sometimes they realise passengers have limited options and take advantage of the situation by increasing fares,” he explained.

He disclosed that the GPRTU has raised the matter with the Ghana Police Service and is calling for stricter enforcement of regulations to ensure that all commercial drivers are registered with recognised transport unions.

The union has also encouraged unaffiliated drivers to either join existing transport unions or form recognised groups so they can be represented during discussions on transport policies and fare reviews.

Mr Amoah warned that if authorities fail to enforce the regulations, the problem of unauthorised fare increases is likely to continue, as some unionised drivers may also be tempted to disregard approved fares when they see unaffiliated operators acting without consequences.