From Bash, PRO reporting from Atwima Nwabiagya North District
Peace and calm has finally returned to the Barekese township in the Atwima Nwabiagya North District of the Ashanti Region following tensions over the refusal of some commercial drivers to comply with the newly announced 15% reduction in transport fares.
District Chief Executive (DCE) for Atwima Nwabiagya North, Hon. Mba Zechariah, has issued a strong caution to all commercial drivers within the district, urging them to strictly adhere to the 15% fare reduction as directed by the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and sanctioned by the Ministry of Transport.
The directive to reduce transport fares by 15% was as a wake of result of successful negotiations between transport unions and the Ministry of Transport, aimed at providing relief to the general public amidst recent fuel price reductions and other economic considerations.
However reports from Barekese and its surrounding communities ²indicated that some drivers had failed to implement the fare reduction, leading to confusion and heated confrontations between drivers and passengers at2 several transport terminals.
Speaking at a stakeholders engagement with transport operators at the Barekese Station, Hon. Mba Zechariah emphasised the vital role transport plays in national development and economic stability.
He noted that any adjustments in fares have a direct impact on the cost of goods and services.
He described the situation as unacceptable and reminded drivers that the government’s policies are meant to bring relief to ordinary Ghanaians, especially in times of economic hardship.
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He added that commercial drivers as essential service providers must support these efforts in the interest of national progress.
According to the DCE, the meeting with transport operators was necessitated by several complaints from the travelling public about discrepancies in fares being charged after the reduction was announced.
He said the assembly could not remain silent while citizens were being shortchanged.
Hon. Zechariah explained that the district assembly is not against drivers but expects them to act responsibly and fairly.
He assured the drivers that the assembly is always ready to engage in dialogue to address their concerns but such dialogue must be grounded in mutual respect and a commitment to lawful practices.
He further urged transport union leaders to take charge of sensitising their members on the importance of compliance and to monitor fare collection closely.
He warned that failure to comply with the directive would compel the assembly to take decisive action in the interest of commuters.
The DCE concluded by appealing to all drivers to support the government’s efforts to ease the burden on Ghanaians.
He concluded by assuring cthe public that the assembly would continue to monitor the situation closely and ensure full implementation of the 15% fare reduction directive.
