A scheduled meeting between the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and the Transport Ministry aimed at addressing concerns over rising fuel prices and their effects on the transport sector did not take place as expected on Tuesday, April 7.
The meeting, which was anticipated to provide clarity on possible interventions and fare adjustments, was postponed after the sector minister requested additional time to consult Cabinet on the matter.
Speaking in an interview on TV3, the Union’s Head of Industrial Relations, Alhaji Abass Imoro, explained that the government had asked for more time to complete internal deliberations before engaging the union.
“We are to meet the Transport Ministry today (April 7), the meeting has failed because the transport minister assured us that the government is interested in organizing a Cabinet meeting and so we should give them up to Thursday, of which our leadership us agreed to,” he said.
According to him, the union’s leadership has accepted the request and is now expecting to meet the Ministry on Thursday, April 9, after Cabinet concludes its discussions.
Mr. Imoro noted that the GPRTU will determine its next steps based on the outcome of the government’s decision.
“Whatever decision the government takes by Thursday, we will then decide the way forward,” he added.
The postponed meeting comes at a time of mounting pressure within the transport sector, as operators grapple with increasing fuel prices and the growing demand for fare adjustments.
Meanwhile, private transport operator VIP Jeoun Transport has announced a 25 percent increase in fares across its routes nationwide, set to take effect from Wednesday, April 8.
The announcement has sparked concern among stakeholders, with the GPRTU warning that allowing such a unilateral adjustment could disrupt the established system where fare increments are negotiated with the Transport Ministry, taking into account broader economic factors such as wages and the cost of living.
Mr. Imoro cautioned that if the increment is allowed to proceed, it could lead to widespread, unregulated fare hikes across the country.
“We will be surprised if tomorrow, VIP comes up with the 25% increase. We are assuring the Transport Ministry that we will make sure, everywhere throughout the country, everybody will be charging how he wants.,” he stated.
Transport operators and commuters alike are now awaiting the outcome of the anticipated meeting, which is expected to shape the next phase of fare adjustments and policy direction in the sector.
