The leadership of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) met with the leadership of the Kwaebibirem Municipal Assembly on Monday, April 27, 2025. The meeting was presided over by the Honorable Emmanuel Kofi Nti, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), with assistance from the Municipal Coordinating Director (MCD) and the Finance Officer (MFO). In response to the nationwide instruction to lower transportation fares, which many citizens alleged were not being followed by municipal drivers, the meeting’s goal was to address public complaints.

The MCE greeted the GPRTU delegation and thanked them for their cooperation in his opening remarks. He continued by saying that despite the formal announcement of fee reductions, many individuals had complained about drivers who were still charging the old fares. In order to rebuild public confidence and lessen the financial burden on commuters, the MCE underlined the significance of following the regulation and making sure that all parties, particularly transport providers, comply.

The GPRTU’s leadership responded by stating that they had already put the new fare structure into effect and that they had in fact followed the mandate. As evidence of compliance, they gave the Assembly a list of the updated fares. They did, however, draw attention to a significant problem with floating drivers: ununionized drivers who still charge the old fares. The union clarified that these drivers are sabotaging the union’s efforts to establish the new pricing scheme and are not governed by the GPRTU. Therefore, the GPRTU made a request to the Assembly for assistance in locating and disciplining these drivers who are acting against the national direction.

The summit ended with a number of important resolutions following in-depth deliberations. It was decided that in order to raise public awareness of the increased transportation fares, the Assembly would work with the GPRTU and the Assembly to arrange a news conference. It is anticipated that this public awareness campaign would increase citizens’ understanding and motivate them to demand that drivers comply. The Assembly also gave the GPRTU its word that it would be ready to help monitor and take appropriate action against floating drivers who are not complying. Additionally, all sides committed to keeping the lines of communication open in order to evaluate the situation and address any potential future problems.

A renewed commitment from the Assembly and the GPRTU to cooperate in making sure that transport services in Kwaebibirem Municipal are equitable, open, and compliant with national regulations marked the engagement’s successful conclusion.