The Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana has warned drivers against charging higher lorry fares without approval, saying any increase must follow the required process and involve all relevant stakeholders.
The association’s Public Relations Officer, David Agboado, said although the current economic conditions may justify an increase in transport fares, individual drivers cannot decide when and by how much fares should rise.
He said drivers must wait for the government’s one-month period for stakeholders to submit their views before any new fares can be introduced.
Mr Agboado cautioned drivers who continue to charge passengers unapproved fares to stop the practice or risk facing the law.
He stressed that any adjustment to lorry fares must go through the appropriate procedures and receive the necessary approval.
Mr Agboado also welcomed the recent GH¢2 reduction in the price of diesel, describing it as a step in the right direction, but said the reduction was not enough to ease the financial pressure on drivers.
He said fuel remains one of the biggest operating costs for commercial drivers, who are also dealing with other rising expenses.
According to him, further reductions in fuel prices would help reduce the pressure on drivers and could prevent passengers from facing higher transport fares.
He warned, however, that if fuel prices continue to remain high, drivers could eventually be forced to seek higher fares to cover their increasing operating costs.
For now, he urged drivers to comply with the approved fare regime and wait for the ongoing consultation process to be completed before making any changes to what they charge passengers.
Source: Metro TV
