Deputy Transport Minister Hassan Tampuli has emphasized the importance of transport operators adhering to established protocols before implementing fare adjustments.
His remarks follow recent announcements by two transport groups regarding their intention to increase fares starting April 13, 2024.
Speaking to the media during the “Eid Mart Tuesday Market” organized by the Ghana Exim Bank, Hassan Tampuli highlighted ongoing negotiations with transport operators to seek a mutually agreeable solution.
Tampuli outlined the factors considered in determining transport rates, including petroleum product prices, spare parts costs, and foreign exchange rates. He emphasized that any fare adjustments beyond a certain threshold would trigger negotiations.
He underscored the necessity of adhering to established regulations and conventions to maintain order and prevent chaos within the transportation sector.
“There’s a mechanism for determining transport rates. The price of petroleum products, spare parts, forex, and so on…importation of spare parts and so on. So you put all of this in a basket. If all of this goes beyond 10% since the last time prices were increased then it will immediately trigger negotiations for us to determine what quantum of review can be done.
“We haven’t had that conversation yet. We are still in the process. So any transport operator who announces a unilateral increment in transport fares will be doing so against the established arrangements that we all have come to accept in our society which we recognize are regulated by customs, conventions, rules and regulations, we should stick to them because it has been efficacious.
Tampuli also discussed the government’s role in regulating fare hikes, citing the importance of ensuring predictability and stability for both drivers and passengers.
The recent surge in fuel prices prompted the Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana and the transport operators of Ghana to issue a joint statement proposing fare increases across various transport categories, effective April 13, 2024.
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