The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has called on the general public to ignore statements and rumours making rounds that transport fares will be increased by next week.

GPRTU, which is the umbrella body that unites private commercial vehicle owners and their drivers in Ghana, said that there was a rumour of a statement circulating that transport operators had agreed to increase lorry fares by 15% from February 6, 2017.

The General Secretary of GPRTU, Alhaji Issah Musah Khaleepha, speaking with Kasapa FM’s Daakyehene Ofosu Agyeman, said the statement was deceptive and not coming from any of the transport operators.

He revealed that though fuel prices had been increased since the year begun the stakeholders in transport businesses are waiting for the new Minister of Transport to settle for them to decide on new lorry fares.

“Lots of things come into play before increase of lorry fares can take effect and no one transport operator or union can increase or reduce fares except joint collaboration with all stakeholders including the Ministry of Transport,” he added.

He therefore called on commercial drivers to be patient for the new Transport Minister to settle for negotiations to begin.