Ghana: Strike announced for Monday, standoff over fares

PROTOA attributes its action to rising operating costs, including spare parts, vehicle maintenance, taxes, and import-related charges. However, its spokesperson, Samuel Adu-Yeboah, has left the door open for negotiations with the Ministry of Transport before the September 21 deadline.

The transport sector is not united. The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has distanced itself from the strike and favors discussions with the government. The union, however, is also calling for a 30% fare increase, arguing that fuel, lubricants, insurance, and administrative costs are increasingly burdensome for operators.

The Ministry of Transport, GPRTU, and the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council have formed a joint team to review various cost components before any decision is made. The organizations have urged drivers and vehicle owners to maintain the currently approved fares until the consultations are concluded.

In statements broadcast by Joy News and published on Monday, the Director General of the NPA, Godwin Edudzi Tamakloe, stated that the general fare increase demanded by the GPRTU has been put on hold following discussions with the government. He criticized some operators who are already implementing what he deemed arbitrary increases. Since September 16, the minimum price for petrol has been set at 16 cedis per liter, while diesel is priced at 16.77 cedis, further increasing pressure on transport costs.

PROTOA had set September 21 as the start date for its indefinite withdrawal of services if its demands went unanswered. In a joint statement on September 11, GPRTU and GRTCC indicated that the approved fares would remain in effect until the outcome of the consultations with the ministry was communicated.