Uber denies taxi-branding reports

Uber has denied reports that it has been directed by the Ministry of Transport in Ghana to – within a month – brand all cars it operates with into taxi.

The reports first carried by www.3news.com quoted the General Secretary of the Commercial Taxi Drivers Association in Ghana, Steven Nimo, as claiming a decision was reached at a stakeholder meeting on Wednesday.

Mr Nimo said Uber cars will also be given commercial license plates as part of the measures.

But communication sighted by www.3news.com and signed by Lola Kassim, the General Manager of Uber in West Africa, said no conclusions were reached at the meeting.

Though confirming the meeting, Lola Kassim said the taxi operators were made aware that “our technology is open and non-exclusive and we will continue to offer it to transportation service providers including taxi operators who would like to take advantage of the economic opportunities it can provide”.

She said conversations will continue towards “outcomes that benefit all stakeholders in the transportation ecosystem”.

Another meeting is expected in February to firm up talks with the Ministry.