Passengers at Wa in the Upper West Region say the intended increase in transport fares by the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), will worsen their economic conditions.
Speaking to GBC News, some of them said times are hard, and getting by on money is very difficult. They indicated that any further increase in lorry fares would not auger well for them.
A passenger, Salma Mohammed who was travelling from Wa to Techiman, said she paid ¢80 as transport fare leaving only ¢20.
She said, “the remaining ¢20 with me will not be enough for feeding and other emergencies.”
However, vehicle owners and drivers who also spoke to GBC News have expressed their support for the intended increase, saying it will help them to break even because their current situation is precarious. They contended that fuel prices keep on increasing rampantly thereby making them run at loss.
“When I load my vehicle, the total amount is ¢1,050. I buy fuel ¢900. I will give some to the station as commission. Some will go to the police. How much am I left with?” Tonis Sulemana wondered.
Mr Sulemana said fuel alone consumes about three-quarters of the total amount, leaving him with virtually nothing.
“Maintaining my vehicles after the journey is a serious challenge let alone to save money to do other things,” the driver lamented.
Mr Sulemana, therefore, entreated the GPRTU to speed up the process of the increase in transport fares so that they, the drivers, can continue to stay in business.
The Public Relations Officer of the GPRTU, Abass Imoro, this week hinted that the union will increase transport fares due to the frequent increase in fuel prices.
