Mr. Ebenezer Cobbinah, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Tarkwa Nsuaem, has urged transport operators within the municipality to stick to the approved fares while consultations continued.
The position, he explained, was not intended to undermine the operations of transport unions, but to ensure that the final decision reached was fair, properly documented, and acceptable to all stakeholders.
Mr. Cobbinah made the appeal at Ahwietieso when the assembly organized a press briefing to clarify the recent discussions on the proposed transport fare increment within the municipality.
He said during the engagement, the transport operators outlined concerns such as rising operational costs, changes in fuel prices, and pervious adjustments to transportation fares which they believed justified an adjustment in fares.
Mr. Cobbinah noted that as the MCE he did not take such decisions alone, adding that decisions affecting transport fares, the public and transport operators had to go through the appropriate consultation and institutional processes.
The MCE reiterated that at the meeting, the assembly advised the transport unions to engage their regional and national leadership and present relevant documents, official directives, or other proof justifying the proposed increment.
He further stated that the assembly was not against any upward adjustment in transport fares that had been determined and agreed by the Ghana Road Transport-Coordinating Council (GRTCC).
He said their only concern was that such adjustments had to be properly supported, duly considered, and arrived at through the appropriate process.
Mr. Cobbinah stated that per the discussions they had earlier with the various transport unions the proposed adjustment in transport fares had not yet received the formal approval of the Assembly.
The MCE disclosed that he had also engaged the appropriate regional leadership of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and other relevant stakeholders to assist in resolving the matter.
He advised commercial vehicles who occasionally operated within Tarkwa to adhere strictly to the appropriate arrangements and approved fare structure for town operations.
He stressed that improved coordination among the various transport unions would ensure order and fairness with the sector.
GNA
