The Deputy Minister for Transport, Hassan Tampuli Sulemana has announced that he will engage with transport operators to discuss a proposed increase in fares.

The Minister explained that the process of discussing fare increases is part of a standing arrangement between the government and transport operators.

During these discussions, all factors that could lead to an increase in fares are considered, including the impact it would have on the cost of lorry fares.

“Normally, you would bring all these things and we also look at them realistically. Is DVLA actually charging any new rate? As far as we know, no. Have the taxes kicked in? As far as we are concerned, the taxes have not kicked in”.

Speaking on the AM Show, he asks to engage with Godfred Abulbire, who is the General Secretary of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union, through the proper channels.

According to him, these meetings are typically held at the Ministry of Transport, where all stakeholders come together to discuss the issues.

“It is even possible that all of these things put together will bring up the fare more than 20%. Is it likely that it would come down below 20%? Let’s have a conversation. This is not difficult,” he said on Thursday, January 18.

However, Godfred Abulbire clarified that the Ghana Private Road Transport Union had previously submitted a petition to Parliament in November of last year.

“We didn’t talk about the other taxes on the other one but these two components we heard. We were even to get it on the website and we printed it out before we submitted the petition but the minister is saying that, we should have as usual petitioned to the parliament through them.”

Mr. Alhassan Tampuli Sulemana stated that they have an excellent relationship with the transport operators and this is not an issue that should break their bond.

The Minister said that despite the challenges facing the transport sector, he remained committed to maintaining a good relationship with transport operators.

 He stated that this issue should not damage the bond between the government and the transport sector and that a solution could be reached through open communication and collaboration.

“Let’s have an engagement like we have been doing in the past, let’s do it again.”