We wanted a 50% increment instead of 15% – GPRTU

We wanted a 50% increment instead of 15%-GPRTU on increment of transport fares

The Ghana Private Road Transport Union has revealed that the Union had preferred an increment in transport fares by fifty percent (50%) instead of the current fifteen percent (15%) increment that will be effective from July 11th.

Vice-Chairman for GPRTU, Robert Sarbah, in an interview with Samuel Eshun on the Happy Morning Show (HMS) noted, “We had that privilege yesterday because, in such things as increasing transport fares, we go through certain processes. We were looking for a 50% increment but out of the bargain we had 15% and we are satisfied with that”.

Explaining the rationale behind the Union’s position of a 50% increment, Robert Sarbah said that it was a way to gain the “additional half that we [they] are losing every day”.

Nonetheless, the Union agreed to the fifteen percent (15%) increment because they considered the fact that a lot of Ghanaians had lost their jobs in the wake of COVID-19 and also because the Government had made some sacrifices such as supplying water and electricity for free during the COVID-19 period.

Even though the increment in transport fares are expected to begin on July 11th, some drivers have begun charging an increased transport fare.

However, the Vice Chairman of GPRTU, Robert Sarbah has assured that such drivers will be contacted to make sure that they do what is appropriate.

At a meeting convened by the Transport Ministry and other stakeholders, it was agreed that the fares be increased by 15% across the board.

The Deputy Transport Minister, Titus Glover made who made the announcement said the move is to cushion drivers who continue to bear the brunt of the impact of COVID-19 pandemic.

By: Alberta Dorcas N D Armah