The Chairman of the Concerned Drivers Association, Paa Willie, has clarified that no official decision has been taken to increase commercial transport fares despite recent discussions within the transport sector.
Speaking on Ahotor FM’s Adekyee Mu Nsem programme with Citizen Kofi Owusu in Accra, Paa Willie stressed that the Association has not approved any fare increment.
According to him, although the Association had considered adjusting fares due to previous increases in fuel prices, no decision has been reached. He explained that some commercial drivers have increased fares on their own because of delays in the Association’s communication, describing such actions as unauthorized.
“We were about to increase lorry fares because of petrol prices, but we have not increased them. Some drivers have done so on their own because there was a delay in our communication. We are putting another arrangement in place,” he said.
Paa Willie also commended President John Dramani Mahama for responding to concerns raised by transport operators by reducing fuel prices.
He described the reduction as a demonstration of responsive leadership, saying it would bring relief to both drivers and passengers.
“We praise President Mahama for listening to our plea and taking GH¢2 off a litre of fuel. It shows he is a leader who listens. He has shown love to drivers and passengers. If he can reduce fuel prices significantly for us and we fail to appreciate it, then we are not being fair to the President,” he stated.
The Association has also cautioned transport unions and commercial drivers against charging unapproved fares, warning that sanctions will be imposed on any union or leader who fails to comply with the official directive.
“We are calling on all transport unions to stop charging unapproved fares. Any union leader who refuses to comply will face sanctions,” he warned.
Paa Willie acknowledged concerns raised by some regional transport leaders, including the Eastern Regional Chairman, but assured the public that an official announcement would be made by tomorrow on whether transport fares would be increased or maintained.
Until then, the Concerned Drivers Association is urging all commercial drivers to maintain the existing fares to avoid confusion and protect commuters.
By Stephen Kwaku Owusu Mintah | Ahotor News
