Fuel Prices Drop But Transport Fares Remain High In Ghana – CUTS Bemoans

Consumer advocacy group CUTS International has called for urgent intervention from the government of Ghana to ensure that Ghanaians benefit from recent reductions in fuel prices.

The non-profit organization is demanding sanctions for commercial drivers who refuse to comply with the 15% fare reduction announced by the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU).

Exploitative Behavior Condemned

CUTS has condemned the refusal of some drivers to implement the fare reduction, citing unrelated operational costs. “It is only fair that passengers, many of whom are struggling with the high cost of living, should see the benefits of this reduction reflected in their daily transport costs,” said Appiah Kusi Adomako, West Africa Regional Director of CUTS.

Proposed Solutions

CUTS is proposing a three-pronged approach to restore discipline in the transport system and protect passengers. The organization wants the government to:

1. Empower Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to deregister and ban drivers who refuse to adjust fares.
2. Issue visible compliance stickers for drivers who obey the new pricing directive.
3. Authorize public universities to deploy their idle campus buses along affected routes as an emergency measure.

Long-Term Investment Needed

Beyond short-term responses, CUTS is urging long-term investment in Ghana’s public transport infrastructure. “Globally, cities like London, New York, Seoul, and Berlin have strong public transport because their governments invest in it. Ghana must do the same,” Adomako argued.

Key Points:

Fare Reduction: GPRTU announces 15% fare reduction, but drivers refuse to comply.
Sanctions Demanded: CUTS demands sanctions for non-compliant drivers.
Proposed Solutions: CUTS proposes empowering MMDAs, issuing compliance stickers, and deploying campus buses.
Long-Term Investment: CUTS urges investment in public transport infrastructure.

The situation highlights the need for effective regulation and enforcement of transport fares in Ghana. The government must take action to protect passengers and ensure that they benefit from reductions in fuel prices.

Source: Africa Publicity