Ghana fuel price hikes: Presidency holds talks with striking transport operators

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Ghanaian leader Nana Akufo-Addo is expected to meet leadership of privately-owned transport operators, sources at the office of the president say, after a protest against fuel costs left commuters stranded Monday.

A statement from the Ghana Private Road Transport Union confirmed the development adding the Union had been invited to the presidency for deliberations.

“Development will be communicated to members”, the statement signed by its General Secretary Godfred Abulbire indicated.

“We therefore entreat our cherished members to go back to their normal duties”, the statement further said.

Chaos in Accra

The strike, which started this morning, left thousands of commuters in parts of the country, especially the capiatal, Accra, stranded.

At some bus terminals, the police were called to ensure calm as some drivers harassed their colleagues who had passengers in their vehicles.

The drivers were protesting the high cost of fuel.

The past six months have seen a significant increase in fuel prices.

There are seven taxes on fuel, which amount to GH¢1.9 on each litre of fuel purchased.

Currently, most oil marketing companies in Ghana sell fuel between GH¢6.60 per litre and GH¢6.90 per litre.

Fuel prices in 2021 started at about GH¢5 per litre and are now threatening to cross the GH¢ 7.00 mark before the end of the year.

Protest barbaric

But some driver unions are kicking against the move.

The Alliance Drivers of Ghana in a press statement described the action as “illicit and unlawful for any union, group of drivers or any individual to deprive his fellow of freedom of movement”.

“If any driver or transport operator has decided not to work to demonstrate his or her protest that’s a personal decision. Any union behind this barbaric act does not have any legal capacity to do so hence all drivers must resist any attempt by any persona to deprive them of their freedom of movement”, they further stated.

They further warned their colleagues to “to abide by the rule of law and desist from any unlawful act”.

SOURCE: DAILY MAIL GH