Commercial transport services have been disrupted at Twifo Praso in the Twifo Atti-Morkwa District of the Central Region after drivers grounded their vehicles in protest against a directive preventing them from increasing passenger fares by GH¢1.
The action has reportedly left more than 1,000 commuters stranded at the Twifo Praso Larry Station, with several passengers compelled to seek alternative means of transport to their destinations.
The drivers said the proposed fare adjustment was necessary to cushion them against rising operational costs, particularly the increasing prices of spare parts and vehicle maintenance.
They also alleged that frequent demands for money by some police officers operating along their routes had further increased the financial burden on commercial transport operators.
Representatives of the drivers said operators in other municipalities, including Assin Fosu, Cape Coast, Dunkwa-on-Offin and Tarkwa, had already adjusted their fares, and questioned why they should be prevented from implementing a similar adjustment.
They maintained that the additional GH¢1 was intended to help sustain their operations and enable them to keep their vehicles on the road amid rising costs.
However, the Twifo Atti-Morkwa District Chief Executive (DCE), Mr Isaac Yawson, rejected the unilateral fare increase, stressing that commercial drivers did not have the legal mandate to determine public transport fares.
He explained that fare adjustments were subject to approval by the Ministry of Transport and other relevant national stakeholders, rather than individual drivers, transport stations or district assemblies.
Mr Yawson said although the Assembly recognised the economic difficulties confronting transport operators, it could not endorse what it considered an unauthorised fare increase.
The drivers have consequently threatened to keep their vehicles off the road until their concerns are addressed, while also warning other commercial operators against picking up passengers within the area during the strike.
The development has heightened concerns among commuters and residents who depend heavily on commercial transport for their daily activities.
Engagements involving the District Assembly, transport union executives and representatives of the drivers are expected to take place as the parties seek to resolve the dispute.
For now, normal commercial transport operations at Twifo Praso remain affected as the disagreement over fares continues.
