The Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana (C-DAG) has issued a notice to increase transport fares by 40 per cent, effective Monday, 17 January 2022.

The drivers say the increase, even though cannot bring them the ultimate comfort they desire, can “only ameliorate the unbearable hardships” facing them currently.

The drivers, in a statement, said although they commiserate with Ghanaians on the current economic hardship, in order to keep them in business, they are left with no other option but to adjust transport fares upward.

The hike in transport fares, according to the drivers, has been necessitated by the price of fuel commodities at the pumps of the various Oil Marketing Companies.

They said fuel commodities have seen a consistent rise and will even soon see another increase, as predicted by the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC).

The drivers also argued that the increase in fares is because of the increase in the prices of vehicles.

“The prices of cars continue to increase on a daily basis due to high duty rates at the ports. This situation makes it even more difficult to defray the cost of vehicles, causing car owners to increase daily sales of drivers. In the end, drivers work virtually for nothing,” the statement said.

In addition, the drivers noted that the prices of spare parts have also witnessed an upward adjustment.

“Coupled with poor roads in the country, drivers are heavily burdened, as we have to rapidly change vehicle parts. Our partners, mechanics, who replace these parts, have also increased their service charges”.

“Essential engine parts and lubricants have also had their prices increased. For instance, a four-and-a-half litre engine lubricant which used to sell at GHS65 is now sold to us at GHS110,” they bemoaned.

The drivers said it has become extremely difficult for them to manage their homes, as prices of basic commodities, including sachet water, have also seen a rise.

They have, thus, encouraged Ghanaians to avoid fighting drivers and their conductors when the new fares are implemented.

It will be recalled that a little over a month ago, drivers embarked on a sit-down strike, which negatively affected commuters.

Even though the Chief of Staff, Frema Osei Opare intervened on behalf of the government by meeting the driver unions and promising mitigating measures, that promise in the drivers’ view, has not materialised.