Drivers Charging Old Fares Justify Their Action, Claim Traders Haven’t Reduced Prices of Goods
- Ghanaian traders who have refused to reduce the price of transport fares in line with the GPRTU directive have provided an explanation
- During an interview, one of the drivers who introduced himself as Ernest blamed the development on traders
- Netizens who saw the video of Ernest speaking expressed mixed reactions, as some supported his comments while others did not
Ghanaian drivers charging old transport fares have explained why they have refused to reduce the old fares in line with the government and GPRTU's directive.
In a video, they blamed Ghanaian traders for their actions, stating they feel cheated since traders haven't reduced the prices of their goods after the 15 per cent reduction in fares was recommended.
Source: Facebook
The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) recently instructed its members to apply a 15% reduction in transport fares, but some commercial drivers remain adamant and have refused to comply with the directive.
The GPRTU's directive, effective May 24, 2025, was recommended with the view to passing on the benefits of declining fuel prices to commuters.
Fuel prices have seen significant reductions, with petrol now selling at GH¢13.32 per litre and diesel at GH¢13.91, marking the seventh consecutive price drop since February 2025.
However, drivers argue that while fuel prices have decreased, the costs of spare parts, maintenance, and other operational expenses remain high.
Source: Twitter
They contend that traders have not reduced the prices of goods, making it challenging for them to lower transport fares without incurring losses.
This stance has led to tensions between drivers and passengers. In Accra, for instance, a driver reportedly returned passengers to the terminal mid-journey after a disagreement over the fare, highlighting the growing friction over fare adjustments.
Watch the video below:
Passengers returned to Circle over fare disagreement
In a video on X, a young lady recounted her experience where a driver brought them back to their station because the passengers insisted on paying the new and reduced fare.
Scenes behind the lady showed that some passengers were confronting the driver for bringing them back and failing to comply with the directive on transport fare reduction.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has stressed the need for law enforcement agencies to ensure compliance with the 15% fare reduction.
Reactions to driver's excuse for high fares
Netizens who saw the video of the driver justifying collecting old fares expressed mixed reactions in the comments section. While some supported his claim, others criticised him.
@joromi_ wrote:
"You forget that the prices of goods in the market are affected by transportation fares."
@FlashRose11 wrote:
"That's good ....why hasn't Mahama reduced the light bills and water bills for Ghanaians if he truly thinks about Ghanaians..... scammers in government...."
@trouble603291 wrote:
"If y’all think fuel is the thing that makes fares high, then you are all fools and the driver has a point… all things have to be reduced simultaneously."
Mate confronts elderly passengers over reduced fares
In a related development, YEN.com.gh reported that the posture of a Ghanaian bus conductor in the wake of the 15 per cent reduction in transport fares directive generated reactions.
This comes after he opted to charge old fares, insisting that he had not been allowed to charge the new rates by his superiors.
Social media users who took to the comments section of the video shared varied views on the new fares.
Proofreading by Samuel Gitonga, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
