Users of ride-hailing applications such as Uber, Bolt, and Yango should not expect a reduction in fares despite the recent appreciation of the cedi and a decline in fuel prices.

The Ghana Online Drivers Union has clarified that the 15% fare reduction announced by the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) does not apply to their services.

Speaking to Citi FM, President of the Ghana Online Drivers Union, Francis Tengey, explained that ride-hailing drivers were not consulted in the decision-making process.

“What the GPRTU did does not include us, because we have not been consulted. We are not part of them. We are the users of Uber, Bolt, and Yango. We have a union, but our union is not recognised by the GPRTU or the Trade Union,” he stated.

Tengey further noted that although the union has applied for affiliation with the Trades Union Congress (TUC) since 2021, it is yet to receive official accreditation.

“So GPRTU giving this directive does not include us. Uber does not know GPRTU, Bolt and Yango do not know GPRTU,” he added.

“As unions and representatives of the drivers, we were not part of the meeting that GPRTU and the Ministry of Transport held. We were not represented. So our customers cannot enjoy the 15% reduction on prices.”

He appealed to the government to take steps towards regulating the ride-hailing sector, stressing that official recognition of the union would allow for productive engagement with app-based transport companies.

“We are pleading with the government, through the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Youth and Employment—these two sectors should come together to regulate the sector and recognise the union. When they recognise the union, a letter like this will be coming from us,” Tengey said.

Meanwhile, consumer advocacy group CUTS International has called on the government to take decisive action to ensure commuters benefit from falling fuel prices.

The organisation urged authorities to empower local assemblies to deregister and sanction drivers who fail to comply with the GPRTU’s 15% fare cut directive, insisting that no operator should be allowed to exploit passengers amid improving economic conditions.