Transport operators under the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) have firmly rejected a proposed insurance premium increase by the Ghana Insurance Commission, warning of potential non-compliance if the hike proceeds.
Deputy Public Relations Officer for GPRTU, David Agboado, issued a strong caution against the commission’s plans during a recent statement. He emphasized that operators across major unions would not tolerate any further rate increments from insurance providers. We won’t accept any increment from any insurance company, Agboado declared, highlighting deep frustrations with current service delivery.
Agboado recounted a prior rate adjustment where insurers promised an “innovative policy” to make coverage more attractive a move initially endorsed by transport unions. However, he alleged that these promises have fallen short. “When an accident happens which affects the car, instead of this insurance company taking care of it, they toss you up and down without any support, he said. This betrayal of trust, according to Agboado, has eroded confidence, making the new proposal untenable for GPRTU members and other operators nationwide.
Drawing international comparisons, Agboado pointed to the United States, where vehicle insurance is not mandatory. “If you go to America, insurance is not compulsory; when there’s an accident, you take charge yourself, he noted. He suggested Ghanaian operators might adopt a similar self-reliant model if insurers persist with hikes without improving claims handling. So if they want us to practice such a system, we will. As for the increment, we won’t accept it,” he added defiantly.
The standoff underscores broader tensions in Ghana’s transport sector, where rising operational costs including fuel, maintenance, and now insurance threaten fare stability and passenger services. GPRTU represents thousands of trotro drivers, taxi operators, and long-haul transporters, whose resistance could disrupt daily commutes in cities like Accra and Kumasi. Industry watchers urge dialogue between the Insurance Commission, unions, and providers to avert escalation, potentially through regulatory reforms ensuring faster claims and value for premiums paid.
Story by:Ohemaa Adusi-Poku/Ahotoronline.com