GPRTU resolves to maintain prevailing lorry fares

Accra, Nov. 2, GNA - The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) on Monday resolved not to increase transport fares and directed members to oblige by the resolution. The GPRTU, however, said it was taking note of the percentage increa= se in fuel prices and would adjust lorry fares as and when necessary. Alhaji Antiaye Tetteh, National Vice Chairman of the GPRTU, announce= d this after an emergency meeting with executives and some members of the Union in Accra to deliberate on a five per cent fuel price increase that went into effect on Sunday. The National Petroleum Authority announced the new prices raising th= e cost of a litre of diesel to GH¢1.1805 or GH¢5.312 per gallon and tha= t of petrol to GH¢1.1698 or GH¢5.26 per gallon.

Alhaji Tetteh said members resolved that the increases were too marginal to warrant an increase in transport fares. In view of this, the Union was appealing to transport owners not to increase the amount of daily sales that drivers should make, ALhaji Tette= h said. He warned that the Union would expel vehicle owners who would increa= se the daily sales target for drivers. He urged drivers not to accept to drive any vehicle that would be ta= ken away from another driver by an owner for not meeting new sales target add= ing that those who would disobey risked losing membership of the Union. Alhaji Tetteh called on government and the National Petroleum Author= ity to consult the GPRTU before coming out with fuel price changes. He said this would enable the Union to advise members on whether or not to increase lorry fares so as not to create confusion among the drivers a= nd passengers.