The Western Regional Secretariat of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has refuted reports indicating a 20 percent increase in public transport fares, describing the announcement as unauthorized.
Speaking in an interview with 3news on June 4, the Western Regional Chairman of the GPRTU, Joseph Simmons Cudjoe, explained that the National Secretariat has not engaged in any discussions with the Ministry of Transport concerning a fare review, meaning no adjustment has been approved. He noted that the rumored hike bypassed established protocols, which mandate consultations and agreements between transport operators and relevant government bodies.
Consequently, the Regional Chairman called on the general public and commuters to ignore the reports, maintaining that existing fares are still valid.
“The Western Regional Secretariat wishes to condemn this decision in no uncertain terms and requests the general public to disregard the publication. Any fare increment will only take effect when we receive official communication from the National Secretariat,” he stressed.
Mr. Cudjoe instructed drivers, vehicle owners, and loading point managers throughout the region to maintain current pricing until an official directive is finalized and issued through proper institutional channels. He also urged passengers to report any transport operators attempting to enforce unapproved fares to their respective station managers for appropriate action.
Reaffirming the Union’s dedication to balancing the interests of both commuters and transport operators, Joseph Simmons Cudjoe assured the public that any future adjustments to transport fares would be transparent, fair, and announced only after formal consultations with the proper authorities.