"Reduce fares or be punished": GPRTU tells commercial drivers

GPRTU Threatens Sanctions for Non-Compliance with Fare Reduction

Transport fares were set to decrease by 15% on May 24. This decision followed negotiations between the government and transport operators. However, some drivers are not following this directive. The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) is unhappy about this situation.

The GPRTU warned its members to comply or face consequences. They stated that sanctions would be imposed on those who do not follow the fare reduction. Godfred Abulbire, GPRTU's General Secretary, spoke to Channel One TV about the issue.

He mentioned that some areas have not yet complied due to late communication. For example, in the Ashanti Region, they received the directive late. He assured that measures are being taken for full compliance.

Abulbire said that if stations or branches do not comply by tomorrow, sanctions will follow. A common punishment would prevent non-compliant drivers from loading passengers. He noted that drivers dislike this punishment.

The fare reduction was announced after negotiations due to a stronger cedi and lower fuel prices. Abass Imoro, an Industrial Relations Officer at GPRTU, called the price reduction timely.

Despite expectations for compliance, many commercial bus drivers have rejected the directive. They cited high sales targets from car owners and rising spare parts costs as reasons for their non-compliance.