Aflao Driver Unions Express Dissatisfaction Over 8 Percent Fare Increment

Aflao, Oct. 7, 24HourNews – Driver unions at Aflao in the Ketu South Municipality of the Volta Region have expressed dissatisfaction with the recently approved eight percent increment in transport fares.

The Chairman of the Aflao branch of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union, GPRTU, Michael Klutsey, said the adjustment was below what drivers had expected.

He, however, said they had accepted the explanation from their national leadership after discussions held in Accra.

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency, Mr Klutsey said drivers are grappling with rising operational costs, including fuel, spare parts, vehicle insurance, lubricants and maintenance.

He said many drivers had continued to absorb some of the increases in operating costs while prices of fuel and spare parts kept rising, making it difficult to remain in business.

Mr Klutsey acknowledged that increases in fuel prices usually affect prices of goods and services but appealed to the Trades Union Congress and government to consider the challenges facing commercial transport operators when determining fares.

He appealed to drivers to comply with the eight percent adjustment and desist from charging passengers above the approved fares while leadership continues engagement with government.

Also, the Secretary of the Aflao branch of the Progressive Road Transport Owners Association, PROTOA, Kudjo Cephas Exe, said members of the association were equally unhappy with the eight percent increment.

He said leadership had been engaging members to help them understand the arrangement and remain calm as further discussions continue.

Mr Exe noted that rising fuel prices are putting additional pressure on drivers and called for measures to address the welfare and operational challenges of private transport operators.