The Ministry of Transport has urged the general public to disregard the purported increase in transport fares, indicating that there have not been any negotiations with transport operators to review transport fares.
The Ministry in a statement yesterday [January 17], debunked media reports suggesting that effective Wednesday, January 17, 2024, transport fares will see a 20% increment.
“The Ministry has sighted publications in the media by commercial road transport operators purporting an increase in public transport fares in the country effective Wednesday, January 24, 2024,” a portion of the statement reads.
“We wish to inform the general public that there has not been any negotiation with the transport operators for a review of the transport fares. We therefore urge the general public to disregard the purported increase.”
The Ministry stressed that, as has been the practice in the past, if there is a need to review the transport fares within the commercial transport sector, the Ministry will duly communicate with the public.
“When it becomes necessary for such negotiations and the decisions are taken, the general public will be appropriately informed, as has been done in the past.
The Ministry will continue to ensure fair and reasonable public transport fares, keeping in mind the needs of transport operators and the general public,” the statement concluded.
GPRTU threatened to increase transport fares over the Emission levy
The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) threatened to increase transport fares should the government implement the GHS 100 annual emissions tax.
Concerning the union’s current financial difficulties, GPRTU Public Relations Officer Abbas Imoro voiced worries about the additional tax load.
“We are already paying for the emission, 10 pesewas for a litre. So you can imagine 10 pesewas by 4.5 for a gallon by several gallons you use a day times 26 working days in a month. You can imagine how much one driver pays for it. And we pleaded with parliament that they should have a second look at it.
“But we did indicate that if nothing is being done or nothing can be done about it, then of course we have other problems as well. We will package ourselves and come out with an upward adjustment of lorry fares not less than 60%,” he said.
Beginning in January 2024, all owners of gasoline and diesel vehicles will be required to pay an annual tax of 100 cedis under the newly passed Emissions Levy Bill by Parliament.
Through this tax, the government hopes to encourage the use of ecologically favourable energy sources for vehicle power, in line with its commitment to carbon offset programmes and climate-friendly efforts.
