The is anger among commuters and residents in Kwahu Afram Plains in the Eastern Region following the announcement of a new revised ferry tariff by Volta Lake Transport Company.
The Volta Lake Transport Company has announced a new ferry crossing tariff for Adawso to Ekye Amanfrom on Afram Plains in the Eastern Region which takes effect from July 1, 2021.
The new tariff increment includes charges on Sheep, dogs, goats, and cow that will be transported on the pontoon.
People who transport sheep, dog, and the goat will now pay Ghc6 per each animal but pays Ghc10 for a cow.
Passengers fare has been increased from Ghc3 to Gh5 per adult while children under 14 years will now pay Ghc3 cedis each.
Passengers with baggage weighing 25kG will additionally be required to pay Ghc10.
A single axle load will now be required to pay Gh65 for the 30 minutes crossing of the Afram River while 5 axles 15 tones truck pays Gh300 per vehicle.
A fully loaded 60,000-liter Petrol tanker will pay Ghc700 while an empty truck of the same tanker pays Ghc600.
The Spokesperson for the Ghana National Cargo Transport Association, Dickson Agyei Danso, also an Assembly Member in Kwahu Afram Plains South says the increment is outrageous given that, crossing tariff was increased in August 2020.
He said traveling to Afram plains is already expensive considering the ferry charges and poor roads therefore this increment will impoverish the residents and discourage traders from coming to the area.
He is threatening to lead a massive demonstration against VLTC if the decision is not reversed.
Dickson Agyei Dansoa also warned that there will be succession in Afram Plains if the government fails to address the transportation challenges.
“We will stop being part of Ghana and create our own country if we continue to be treated as not part of Ghana”.
The Volta Lake Transport Company incorporated in 1970, operates inland transport services for passengers, bulk haulage of petroleum products, Cargo, large quantities of farm produce, significant quantities of cement, and other cross-lake ferry services along the Volta Lake.
President Akufo Addo promised in 2016 to construct a bridge over the Afram River to open up the local economy.
The Minister of Roads and Highways Kwasi Amoako Atta, in May this year said the bridge over Afram River is among 120 bridges to be constructed by the government before the end of the second term of President Akufo Addo.
Source: Mybyrtfmonline.com/Obed Ansah
