Omanhene persuades drivers to reduce transport fares

Tepa (Ash), Oct 11, GNA - Transport Unions at Tepa in the Ahafo-Ano North District in Ashanti Region have, with immediate effect agreed to comply with the five per cent increase in transport fares as directed by their National Executives in Accra following the intervention by the Omanhene of Tepa Traditional Area, Nana Adusei Atwenewaah Ampem II. Following the recent fuel price increases by the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), the two Transport Unions at Tepa, GPRTU and PROTOA increased lorry fares from Tepa to Kumasi from 7,500 cedis to 9,000 cedis by 207 Buses and Mini Buses from 9,500 cedis to 11,000 cedis representing 20 per cent and 15.8 per cent respectively.

A meeting with the representatives of the two Transport Unions in his palace on Monday, October 10, Nana Ampem expressed disquiet about the unilateral increase in lorry fares by the drivers over and above the five per cent increase across board as directed by their National Executives in Accra and pleaded with them to reduce the fares. The Drivers argued that with the current increase in fuel prices, booking fees, insurance premium, spare parts and unnecessary demand by the Police on the roads, they are running at a lost, saying that the current five per cent increase in transport fares is not adequate hence their decision to increase fares by 15.8 per cent and 20 per cent respectively.

They agreed to charge the approved fares until they have further discussions on the matter with the Omanhene on Thursday, October 14, after consultation with their Union Members. Present at the meeting were representatives of the GPRTU led by the branch Secretary, Mr Nicholas Boampong, the PROTOA led by the branch Chairman, Mr John Dosu and the Traditional Council registrar, Mr Ernest Antwi.