The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has dismissed claims that its members are deliberately reducing the number of commercial vehicles on the roads to create artificial scarcity and push up transport fares.
The Public Relations Officer of the union, Abass Imoro, debunked the allegations while speaking on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily on Friday, January 16, insisting that GPRTU drivers remain fully operational across the country.
Imoro attributed the current pressure on public transport to persistent traffic congestion rather than any coordinated action by drivers. He explained that congestion has been building since the Christmas period and has continued into the first two weeks of the new year, making the situation appear more severe than in previous months.
“Our drivers are working. It is not true that some of our people have parked their vehicles to create an artificial shortage,” Imoro said, adding that the traffic situation remains the primary factor affecting the smooth flow of transport services.
His comments come in response to assertions by Government Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu, who accused some commercial transport operators of engaging in rent-seeking behaviour by limiting vehicle availability to justify higher fares, despite recent reductions in fuel prices and import duties on spare parts.
The controversy has prompted official action, with the Ministry of Transport summoning officials of the GPRTU and other commercial transport operators to explain allegations of artificial scarcity within the sector.
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