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Commercial transport operators charge old fares despite 10% reduction directive
Days after the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) announced a 10% reduction in transport fares, some commercial drivers at Circle in Accra are refusing to implement the directive.
According to these drivers, the recent reduction in fuel prices cannot be enough reason for the reduction in fares by 10%.
They argue that, there are several other factors when it comes to running the transport business, and until prices of spare parts and lubricants are reduced, they will not be in a position to reduce the fares.
Speaking to JoyNews, the drivers urged their leaders to reconsider the new directive.
“It is true that they have reduced the fare, but the problem we are facing is that our executives are finding it difficult to give us the prices so we are waiting for them,” one driver said.
Another added that, “We are never told when a reduction is about to take place. It was on radio that I heard of the 10% reduction.”
“This reduction was not accepted by us. Our leaders did not have a sit-down with government to deliberate on this latest reduction. We didn’t see that happening this time,” another driver noted.
Meanwhile, some passengers say they are being cheated by the drivers since a hike in fuel price always results in fare increment, hence a reduction should result in a cut back.
“As far as fuel prices go down, the drivers are supposed to reduce the transport fares so that passengers can enjoy the benefit. The drivers are not being fair to the passengers,” one woman stressed.
Another male passenger added that, “I think the drivers are just interested in making profit because if fuel price has been reduced then they should also try as much as possible to reduce the fare but that is not what we are seeing here.”
Background
Transport fares were reduced by 10 percent effective Wednesday, May 17, 2023, following the recent downward trend of petroleum prices.
Road Transport Operators announced reduction in a release jointly signed by Emmanuel Ohene Yeboah, General Secretary of Ghana Road Transport Coordination Council, and Godfred Abulbire, General Secretary of Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU).
The new fares were to apply to shared taxis, intra-city buses, popularly called tro-tro, intercity (long distance) buses, and haulage vehicles.
The release stated that the reduction was in line with the Administrative Arrangement on Public Transport Fares, and was a response to the observed reductions in the prices of petroleum products over the period.
It urged all commercial transport operators to comply with the new fares and post them at their loading terminals.
Source : Myjoyonline
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Many SOEs have been used as mere instruments for personal wealth accumulation –Pres.Mahama
President John Dramani Mahama has expressed concern over the misuse of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) for personal financial gain by individuals in leadership positions.
Speaking during a meeting with Chief Executives of specified entities under the State Interest and Governance Authority (SIGA) on Thursday, March 13, the President directly attributed the dire state of SOEs to their leadership, accusing chief executives, management teams, and governing boards of prioritising personal enrichment over organisational efficiency.
He pointed to bloated budgets, unjustified allowances, and unnecessary expenditures as factors draining public funds while SOEs continue to rely on government bailouts.
“Many SOEs have been used as mere instruments for personal wealth accumulation by appointees. The chief executives, management, and boards of these enterprises are responsible for this situation. Some SOEs have become perennial loss-makers, draining public funds with bloated budgets, unjustified allowances, and unnecessary expenditures while relying on government bailouts as if entitled to them. Many of these entities are at their lowest point in the entire history of the Fourth Republic,” he said.
President Mahama further noted that many SOEs have been plagued by inefficiencies, corruption, and mismanagement, leading to consistent financial losses. He cited the 2023 State Ownership Report by the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA), which highlighted systemic inefficiencies and wasteful expenditures within these entities.
He therefore reaffirmed his commitment to reforming under-performing SOEs and ensuring they serve national interests.
He warned that loss-making SOEs will no longer be tolerated and will either be merged, privatised, or closed.
“I will assess you based on your performance. If you do not align with the pace of the reset agenda, you may be asked to step aside. If that adds to the horror movie, so be it,” he added.
Source: Myjoyonline.com
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Prophet Courage Heavens set to launch ‘Predestination’ book on March 23
Prophet Courage A. Heavens is set to launch the much-awaited book titled ‘Predestination’ on Sunday, March 23, 2025 at 5:00PM.
The launch, which is expected to impact lives, will take place at Crossgates Ministries, Flattop, off N1 Highway, opposite Angel Hauz.
The book is aimed at addressing the way people struggle to understand how free will and destiny align.
It is also aimed at providing clarity on God’s sovereignty and one’s place in His divine plan.
The various chapters of the book address various issues through scriptures and personal stories.
Committed to impacting society, part of the proceeds from the book will go into Courage Heavens Education Legacy (CHEL), an educational foundation transforming lives.
CHEL is dedicated to providing financial support and mentorship to brilliant but needy students, ensuring they have access to quality education and opportunities for a better future.
Prophet Courage Heavens is a prolific writer and previously authored Eli Eli Lama Sabachthani, a powerful book that encourages unwavering faith in times of trials.
In addition, he has written seven more prophetic and life-changing books that are yet to be published.
He is dedicated to raising the next generation for impactful ministry. As the leader of Crossgates Ministries, he nurtures believers in faith and purpose.
