Mixed reactions to new transport fares

Commuters in Accra have received new transport fares announced by the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) on Monday with mixed feelings.

The Ministry of Transport approved a 20 percent increase in transport fares after negotiations with the GPRTU and other transport unions over the impact of recent increases in petroleum prices. The increase, the Ministry said, is the result of persistent rises in fuel price and the increasing cost of vehicle spare-parts on the market.

Alfred Bekoe, an electrical engineer who commutes between 37 and Tema every day, said there is nothing he can do about the increase even though it will affect his budget. He said since last year there have been several increases in fuel prices, adding that this brings hardship because it is not always the case that employers increase salaries when there is a jump in fares.

“I think 20 percent is too much; government must do something about it in terms of payment of allowances to workers, and also increase salaries so that we can get some relief,” he said.