Reduce Transport Fares!!!

The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), has expressed appreciation to government for providing the Union with 150 buses to enable it to provide efficient transport services across the country. The National Chairman, Alhaji Yaw Manu at a media briefing noted that the vehicles have come at the right time to enable the Union to serve the public during the Christmas and the election period. Alhaji Manu said the vehicles will also relieve the transportation needs of government and other state agencies. The buses, purchased under the government’s fleet Renewal Project, have been given on lease basis and would allow union members to pay within a stipulated three year period. He however implored beneficiaries to ensure high maintenance standards and also make regular payments in order for others to also benefit from the facility.

On Thursday December 11, 2008, the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) the group charged with the responsibility of regulating fuel prices in the country announced over 17% reduction in the prices of petroleum products. This is the second time in about a little over a month that prices on the local market have slide following crude oil price plummeting on the international market after reaching a record high price of US$147.00 earlier in the year.

It is gratifying to know that after all the politicization of the reduction in the price of petroleum products, transport operators appreciate it. Their appreciation alone is however not enough. We the travelling public expect that they (the transport operators) will equally do the right thing by reducing transport fares across board at least a third since reduction in fuel prices in more than a third of what they were at their zenith. We demand nothing short of reciprocal action as soon as possible without delay. Further, it is about time the National Petroleum Authority took steps to ensure that filling stations comply with thier directives and stop holding every body to ransom whenever reductions are made. If they are quick to increase or implement price increases, then they ( the filling station owners) have no reason to insist that until their old stocks are sold, reductions in prices will not come into effect. It is not right. To whom much is given, much more is expected.