Many passengers have been left stranded at the Twifo Praso Lorry Station after commercial drivers launched a strike to protest a directive by the Twifo Atti-Morkwa District Assembly blocking a GH¢1 increase in transport fares.
The drivers began the industrial action after the District Chief Executive (DCE), Isaac Yawson, intervened to stop the fare adjustment, which they said was necessary to cope with rising operational costs.
Representatives of the drivers said soaring prices of spare parts and what they described as frequent demands for money by police officers along their routes had put increasing pressure on their businesses. They argued that the additional GH¢1 was needed to keep their vehicles on the road and meet their daily financial obligations.
The drivers also pointed to fare adjustments in nearby municipalities, including Assin Fosu, Cape Coast, Dunkwa-on-Offin and Tarkwa, arguing that transport operators in those areas had been allowed to increase fares without similar interference from local authorities.
Following the DCE’s directive, the drivers resolved to withdraw their vehicles from the station until the dispute is resolved. They have also warned other commercial drivers against operating in the area during the strike, threatening action against those who continue to pick up passengers.
The action has disrupted transportation in the area, leaving commuters scrambling for alternative means of transport or postponing their journeys.
However, the DCE has maintained that the drivers have no legal authority to increase fares on their own.
Mr Yawson told the media and transport operators that the mandate to approve changes in public transport fares rests with the Ministry of Transport, in consultation with relevant national stakeholders.
While acknowledging the economic difficulties confronting commercial drivers, the DCE said the Assembly would continue to enforce the approved fares and prevent what it considers illegal fare collection.
Negotiations involving the district authorities, transport union executives and representatives of the drivers are expected to take place as efforts continue to resolve the dispute and restore normal transport services in Twifo Praso.
