Section of residents in the Eastern Regional Capital, Koforidua, has urged the Government through the Ministry of Transport to ensure that commercial transport operators comply with the 10 per cent reduction of transport fares.
According to them, on several occasions, commercial transport operators have failed to adhere to directives from the government to reduce transport fares upon reduction in crude oil price worldwide.
They said in most cases the transport operators charge more than the percentage as directed, adding that the operators are interested in increasing transport fares to their advantage.
The Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) earlier this week in a statement called on commercial transport operators to reduce their fares immediately as they return to taking passengers at full seating capacity.
The statement reads “by this statement calling on some of our major stakeholders in the transport sector including the GPRTU, Concerned Drivers Association, Committed Drivers Association and the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council to immediately without fail, ensure that transport fares are reversed”.
The government recently approved a 15% increment in transport fares following fuel price hikes amid social distancing in vehicles.
During his 14th address to update the public on measures taken by the government in the COVID-19 battle on Sunday, July 26, 2020, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo Addo said commercial vehicles can now take full capacity.
In consultation with the Ministries of Transport and Aviation and the leadership of transport operators, Government has taken the decision to lift the restrictions in the transport sector, and allow for full capacity in our domestic airplanes, taxis, trotros and buses. The wearing of masks in vehicles and aircrafts, and the maintenance of enhanced hygiene protocols, remain mandatory,” said the President.
Transport fares are set to reduce by 10 per cent after operators were allowed to return to normal business.
The reduction will take effect from August 1.
This announcement is after the transport operators held a meeting with the Transport Ministry.
Source: Mybrytfmonline/Evans Boateng
