Sunyani commercial drivers demonstrate over meagre increment of fare

Commercial drivers at the Sunyani Municipality of the Brong Ahafo Region who ply the Abesim route today demonstrated against the new lorry fares which were imposed on them by officials of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) in the Region.

The drivers were arguing that they were excluded from the negotiations prior to the new lorry fares increment.

They explained that they fuel their vehicles not only with petrol and diesel, but also gas, which was increased more than petrol and diesel, adding, gas was increased by 50%.

The drivers were of the view that, apart from the aforementioned, spare parts prices have been increased and public toilet operators have also increased their charges more than three time in a year.

But they, the drivers were given only 10 pesewas increment, a situation which to them, is cheating and unacceptable to them.

The commercial drivers, who were clad in red, prevented other commercial drivers from conveying passengers to their various destinations.

They chanted war song ‘yen ani abere ye ani koo’.

Before the increment, passengers were paying 60pesewas but was increased to 70 pesewas.

The drivers also accused their Municipal Chief Executive, Mr. Kwasi Oppong Ababio and one Mr. Ahenkora also of the Sunyani Municipal Assembly of conniving with the GPRTU in cheating them.

All efforts by our correspondent, Kofi Sarpong, to get the GPRTU, the MCE and Mr. Ahenkora to react to the story proved futile.

 

Source: Rainbow Radio International