The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has strongly refuted allegations that its members are deliberately cutting down the number of commercial vehicles on the roads to create artificial shortages and justify higher transport fares.
Speaking on Breakfast Daily on Channel One TV on Friday, January 16, the union’s Public Relations Officer, Abass Imoro, described the claims as false and misleading, insisting that GPRTU drivers are operating normally across the country.
According to him, the pressure currently being felt within the public transport system is largely the result of persistent traffic congestion rather than any coordinated action by drivers to withhold services.
“Our drivers are working. It is not true that some of our people have parked their vehicles to create an artificial shortage,” Mr Imoro stated. “The major challenge we are dealing with is traffic congestion, which is affecting the smooth movement of vehicles.”
He explained that congestion has been gradually worsening since the Christmas season and has spilled over into the first two weeks of the new year, making transport delays appear more pronounced than usual.
The GPRTU’s response follows comments by Government Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu, who accused some commercial transport operators of engaging in rent-seeking behaviour. Mr Kwakye Ofosu alleged that certain drivers were intentionally limiting vehicle availability in order to rationalise fare increases, despite recent reductions in fuel prices and import duties on spare parts.
The dispute has since drawn the attention of authorities, prompting the Ministry of Transport to summon leaders of the GPRTU and other commercial transport unions. The meeting is expected to address concerns surrounding alleged artificial scarcity and ensure transparency within the public transport sector.
