Bashiru Amantana, a member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) National Communications Team, has criticised commercial transport operators for delaying the reduction of transport fares despite the recent decrease in fuel prices.

Speaking on the issue on Accra 100.5 FM, Mr Amantana questioned why drivers and transport owners insist on waiting for engagement with the Minister for Transport before reducing fares, when fare increases are often implemented immediately following fuel price hikes.

“If fuel prices go up by 10 percent, transport fares are increased almost instantly without waiting for any engagement from the Minister,” he said.

“So why is it that when fuel prices reduce by 10 percent, drivers suddenly want the Minister to engage them before they reduce fares?”

Mr Amantana argued that such actions contradict the spirit of national responsibility and fairness.

He proposed that drivers and transport owners should be encouraged to recite the Ghanaian National Pledge at their various transport stations to remind them of their civic duties.

According to him, the National Pledge clearly emphasises commitment to serving the nation.

“When you recite the pledge and truly understand what it says, you know that you are supposed to be committed to serving the nation.

Reducing transport fares when fuel prices go down is part of that service,” he stated.

He stressed that fare reductions should not depend on directives from authorities but should be guided by conscience and duty to the country.

“It should not be by someone’s instruction. Once fuel prices go down, drivers should know and automatically reduce fares. That is what commitment to the pledge means,” Mr Amantana added.

His comments come amid public pressure on transport unions to reflect recent fuel price reductions in transport fares, as commuters continue to bear high transportation costs.