Drivers operating from Koforidua to Asesewa route have finally complied with the 15% reduction in transport fares, days after initial resistance to the nationwide directive agreed upon by transport unions and government.
The fare adjustment follows recent reductions in fuel prices, largely driven by the steady appreciation of the Ghana cedi against the US dollar and other major foreign currencies.
Despite the national agreement, drivers in Asesewa had been reluctant to implement the new fares, citing concerns that the fare reduction decision was based solely on fuel prices without considering other critical operational costs.
Some station managers at Asesewa lorry station Alex Tetteh shared similar sentiments, noting that the economic challenges faced by transport operators go beyond fuel prices.
He cited that Spare parts are still very expensive, engine oil prices have not come down, and insurance premiums remain high as well as deplorable roads therefore reducing fares based on just one factor is unfair.
Passengers, however, disagreed with the drivers’ position, insisting that the reduction in fuel prices must reflect in transport fares, as it remains a major cost component in transportation.
Following mounting pressure from passengers and transport union executives, drivers have now agreed to implement the 15% reduction .
The fare now reduced from Ghc31 to Ghc27.
The nationwide fare adjustment was announced last week by the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC), in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport, in response to calls for transport relief amid falling fuel prices.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Obed Ansah
