The National Chairman of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), Nana Bresiamah Nimako, has called for stringent sanctions against recalcitrant drivers who are defying the 15% fare reduction directive.
According to him, GPRTU drivers are adhering to the fare reduction; however, many rogue drivers are resisting the directive.
He urged passengers to refrain from using such vehicles while calling on city authorities to implement strict measures to compel non-compliant drivers to abide by the law.
This appeal comes in light of the recent reduction in fuel prices and the appreciation of the local currency against major trading currencies.
The GPRTU mandated all drivers to reduce their transport fares by 15%, with the directive taking effect nationwide on Saturday, May 24, 2025.
In the meantime, some transport unions and drivers have opted not to implement the fare reduction, citing unrelated operational concerns.
During an emergency meeting addressing GPRTU members in Kumasi on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, aimed at resolving differences among union members and sensitising them on how to enforce the fare reduction.
Mr. Nimako argued that the resistance from certain drivers is exploitative and unfair to the commuting public.
He emphasised that transport fares represent one of the largest daily expenditures for many citizens. He noted that any attempt to undermine a legitimate fare reduction due to declining fuel prices is simply unacceptable.
Furthermore, he urged the government, through various city authorities, to initiate strict measures at all levels to ensure compliance with the directive.
“The fixing of the transport fare is the responsibility of the Ministry of Transport, transport unions, and other transport stakeholders.
“Timely discussions regarding operational costs must occur to determine whether to increase or reduce fares.
“Whenever these discussions conclude, the outcomes are communicated to us. If they convened last week and decided to increase fares, they wouldn’t schedule a date for implementation.
“However, because this is a reduction, they decided to set a date for that.
“We awaited the 24th; afterward, the Mayor and his leaders, alongside the Regional Minister, conducted background checks and found that while some are complying with the reduction, others are not,” he said.
The head of transport at the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly, Randy Wilson, also stressed the necessity of providing visible stickers to compliant drivers, distinguishing them from those who refuse to adhere to the fare reduction directive.
