Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), Alhaji Abass Imoro, has refuted reports that commercial drivers are refusing to implement the 15% reduction in transport fares recently announced by the union.
His response follows a Channel One News visit to several transport terminals in the Ashanti and Greater Accra Regions, where many drivers were still charging the old fares. While only a few had complied with the new directive, others indicated they would begin implementing the fare cut from Monday, May 26.
Despite the mixed levels of compliance, Alhaji Imoro insisted that many drivers have already responded positively to the directive. He blamed a small number of non-compliant drivers for the public’s perception of widespread defiance.
Speaking on Citi Eyewitness News on Monday, May 26, he explained that although some passengers had yet to experience reduced fares, others had already benefited.
“The drivers are not defying the directive. I heard some of the people have been saying they have experienced a reduction, and some say they have not experienced the reduction yet. But that does not mean that they have defied the directive,” he stated.
He acknowledged the presence of a few uncooperative drivers, stressing that their refusal to comply was not justified.
“There are a few recalcitrants who have decided not to. But then, are they doing the right thing? The answer is no. Each time they increase lorry fare, they immediately embrace it, and it is the same law which backs us to reduce it when it is necessary,” he said.
Alhaji Imoro urged all drivers to respect the union’s decision and uphold the law, noting that failure to comply could have consequences.
“We will just plead with them to rescind their decision. I won’t pray that the law catches up with them, but the law must take its course,” he concluded.
The 15% fare reduction was introduced in response to the recent appreciation of the Ghanaian cedi and a drop in fuel prices, as part of efforts by the GPRTU to ease the financial burden on commuters.