The Ghana Road Transport Union(GPRTU) has said it will announce new fare prices by the end of the week following an new increment in the prices of petroleum products in the country.
The Deputy Spokesperson for the Union Mr Samuel Amoah said the decision has become necessary as drivers are now faced with high operational costs which makes it difficult for them to sustain themselves and their businesses.
According to Mr. Amoah, the Union proposed a 30% increment in August when prices increased, but the decision was aborted when the Government brought in the reduction of GH¢2 on diesel price.
“During the beginning of the month of August, we had a meeting and we proposed a 30% increment that was when the President came in that he is reducing diesel by GH¢2,” he said.
But the deputy spokesperson said there were no reductions in the August pricing window, as he said “things were still the same” even after Government had assured prices were going to come down.
“During the middle price window of August, we didn’t see any reduction. Things were still the same” he said.
He believes the grace person is over because according to him, up until now the Union has exceeded every threshold for price increment and that during a meeting with the Transport Ministry, the Ministry agreed with them.
“We have exceeded the percentage threshold that we normally get to before we come up with increment of transport fares, the Ministry agreed,” he stated.
Mr Amoah said, the Union has no choice now but to come out “officially by increasing the fares for our drivers to continue doing their business.”
He added the leadership will meet to asses on what price they will come up with depending on the level of the fuel price increment.
The leadership will also meet to take their decision, whether we are still going by the 30%, if it will come down to 20% or whatever.
I strongly believe by the close of this week, by the end of this week, something will come out for our drivers and then our passengers to also comply with,” he added.