Despite the recent appreciation of the cedi and a drop in fuel prices, users of ride-hailing platforms such as Uber, Bolt, and Yango should not expect a corresponding reduction in fares. This is according to the Ghana Online Drivers Union, which says it was excluded from the recent decision to cut public transport fares.

The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) last week announced a 15% reduction in fares across public transport services. However, the Ghana Online Drivers Union has made it clear that this directive does not apply to ride-hailing services.

Speaking to Citi Business News, the union’s president, Francis Tengey, explained that the GPRTU decision was made without consultation or involvement from ride-hailing driver representatives.

“What the GPRTU did does not include us, because we were not consulted. We are not part of them. We represent drivers using platforms like Uber, Bolt, and Yango, but our union is not recognised by the GPRTU or the Trades Union Congress (TUC),” Tengey said.

He added that although the union has applied for official affiliation with the TUC since 2021, it has yet to receive formal accreditation.

“Uber does not recognise GPRTU, neither do Bolt or Yango. Since we were not part of the meeting between GPRTU and the Ministry of Transport, the 15% reduction cannot be extended to our customers,” he emphasized.

Tengey argued that formal recognition of the Ghana Online Drivers Union would give it the mandate to engage directly with ride-hailing companies and negotiate on behalf of drivers and consumers, especially during times of economic change.

He called on the government to step in and regulate the ride-hailing sector, urging the Ministry of Transport and Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations to collaborate in formally recognising the union.

“We are appealing to the government to step in. When the union is recognised, we can speak officially on matters like fare adjustments,” he said.

Meanwhile, consumer advocacy group CUTS International is urging stronger government oversight to ensure all transport operators, including commercial drivers, pass on cost savings to commuters.

CUTS is calling for local assemblies to be empowered to sanction drivers who refuse to implement the GPRTU’s fare cut, warning that Ghanaians should not be denied the benefits of improving economic conditions.