Transport operators and the government are set to clash over a proposed 30% hike in transport fares, with the meeting scheduled for Tuesday, July 28. The fare increase is aimed at addressing the rising cost of fuel and vehicle spare parts, which operators argue have become unsustainable.
Transport Operators Meet Gov't Over Fare Hike
The meeting follows calls by transport unions for an upward review of fares, with operators arguing that the current cost of running their businesses has become unsustainable. The unions are expected to present their concerns and negotiate possible measures with the government to address the challenges affecting the sector.
The Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) has meanwhile urged the government to consider reintroducing the fuel price intervention introduced during the peak of the Middle East crisis. COPEC argued that the measure helped reduce the impact of rising petroleum prices on consumers and businesses.
COPEC Calls for Fuel Price Intervention
The Executive Secretary of COPEC, Duncan Amoah, recalled that the previous measure reduced diesel prices by GH¢2 per litre and petrol prices by GH¢2.09 per litre when fuel costs surged. He appealed to the government to restore the fuel intervention to provide relief to transport operators, motorists, and businesses.
The Deputy Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), Samuel Amoah, said the unions would engage the government and, if no immediate solutions were found to address the rising cost of petroleum products, they would present their proposed fare adjustment for negotiation. He stated that if the government believed there was nothing they could do about the high cost of petroleum products, the unions would lay their proposed percentage on the table for negotiation.
Transport Unions to Negotiate Fare Hike
The proposed 30% hike in transport fares comes as diesel prices again nearing GH¢18 per litre. This has put pressure on transport operators, who are warning that further increases could worsen the financial burden on them and commuters.
The meeting between transport operators and the government is set to take place on Tuesday, July 28, as the sector grapples with the rising cost of fuel and vehicle spare parts. The outcome of the meeting will be crucial in determining the fate of the proposed fare hike and the future of the transport sector in Ghana.
What's Next for Transport Sector
The transport sector in Ghana is a crucial component of the country's economy, with millions of people relying on it for their daily commute. The proposed 30% hike in transport fares is set to have a significant impact on commuters and transport operators alike. The meeting between transport operators and the government will be closely watched as the sector navigates the challenges affecting it.
Source: Joy Online
