Transport Fares Wahala

Quality leadership that achieves desirable results is something everyone expects from their leaders. Leadership is very essential in every sphere of life. Since the government of the NDC led by President John Dramani Mahama assumed office on January 7 this year, it has been working hard to formulate policies to improve the quality of lives of Ghanaians. With the introduction of prudent economic policies coupled with strategic management techniques, the Ghanaian Cedi is appreciating significantly against the US Dollar leading to the reduction of fuel at the pumps. The establishment of the Gold Board has also played a key role in the remarkable appreciation of the Cedi. Kudos to President Mahama and his team of Ministers. Following the reduction of fue pricesl at the pumps, government in consultation with GPRTU leaders, recently directed that transport fares be reduced by 15% which has been duly complied with, to ease some pressure on Ghanaians. This is welcoming news. Infact, the government of President Mahama and the leaders of the GPRTU must be highly commended for such a strategic move to ease pressure on the suffering Ghanaian. We must say ayekoo to those law-abiding drivers of our land. Much as the leadership of the mother transport Union, GPRTU had agreed to reduce transport fares, a few recalcitrant and unpatriotic drivers have refused to comply with the directive. Their excuse is that prices of commodities and spare parts remain the same. But sometimes we must demonstrate patriotism and sensitivity to the plight of the masses by embracing decisions and policies that will make life comfortable for our people. The drivers who have refused to accept this decision and still remain adamant must be called to order.

Government must step in by deploying the Police to conduct visible patrols to ensure that every commercial driver reduces transport fares as directed. GPRTU Public Affairs Officer Alhaji Abass Ibrahim Moro recently indicated that some drivers do not register their vehicles with the GPRTU, PROTOA or other recognized transport unions. They are mostly the ones who have refused to reduce the fares. He therefore called on the Minister for Transport, to come out and make a bold statement that any driver who is caught flouting the directive to reduce transport fares will be arrested. He thinks when such a statement is made by a State official, the recalcitrant drivers will comply. It is the wish of most Ghanaians that decisions that are made and adopted at the highest level will always see compliance. Else some people will always think they are a law unto themselves and disregard directives from leaders and officialdom.

The MTTD of the Police Service must, as a necessity be called into the whole equation to forestall the constant exchanges between drivers, their mates and the travelling public. It is hoped all commercial drivers would do the needful to stop these daily banter in trotros and taxis. When asking the drivers to do what is right, it is equally important to also ask our traders and merchants to reduce the prices of commodities on the market to cushion the average Ghanaian from some of the hardships in the country. Whilst commending Ghanaians for their patience and support while government works to make life comfortable, we must sound a warning to those who are bent on making life unbearable for the rest of the citizens, by thwarting directives like the transport fares reduction. We should not countenance such misbehaviors else people will take the law into their hands. 

Written By: Joseph Pertey, Broadcast Journalist, GBC. 

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