Some commercial drivers operating in Kasoa and its surrounding areas have chosen not to adhere to the Ghana Private Road Transport Union's (GPRTU) directive to reduce transport fares by 10 per cent following the recent decrease in fuel prices.
The drivers explained that they would not reduce fares due to the persistently high prices of engine oil, spare parts, and other vehicle-related services in the market, which they find concerning and distressing.
In interviews with the Ghana News Agency, the drivers emphasized that the high maintenance costs necessitated their decision not to reduce transport fares.
One driver stated, “As we speak, the price of engine oil still remains at GH¢ 200, and you need to change it every month. The prices of spare parts at Abossey Okai have skyrocketed for items such as gearboxes, shafts, and engine parts, among others. These components need to be replaced whenever there is a fault.”
Another driver, Kofi Mapo, expressed his belief that fuel prices might increase again in the future, resulting in public outcry if fares were raised once more. He also stressed the importance of reducing the prices of goods and services in the market to align with drivers' earnings.
Some drivers mentioned that they had not received any official communication from the central regional office of the GPRTU, and therefore, they could not comply with the fare reduction.
The drivers urged the government to enforce regulations to ensure a reduction in the prices of goods and services.
A number of passengers expressed their dissatisfaction with the drivers' decision. Madam Adwoa Edmunds, a trader, questioned why drivers promptly increase fares when fuel prices rise but refuse to decrease fares when the opposite occurs.
She lamented, “This is heartless. The moment fuel prices go up, drivers increase transport fares, so why is it that when fuel prices decrease, they are refusing to reduce the fares?”
Some individuals called for authorities to ensure that fares were reduced to prevent conflicts arising from disagreements over transport fares.
The GPRTU issued a statement on May 16 instructing drivers to reduce transport fares following the decline in fuel prices earlier that week.
However, a week later, the directive has yet to be implemented, resulting in arguments between passengers and drivers and their assistants.
