Regional News of Monday, 21 February 2005

Source: GNA

Adhere to stipulated fares- MCE

Ho, Feb. 21, GNA - Mr. Mawutor Goh, Ho Municipal Chief Executive on Monday called on the Volta Regional Executives of Private road Transport organisations to ensure compliance with officially approved transport fares following adjustment of fuel prices last Friday.

"All prices must be in conformity with government's directive to prevent problems", he said.

He also solicited the assistance of the media in monitoring the situation.

Mr Goh made the call when he met the Executives of the Ho Taxi Drivers Union, the Cooperative Transport and the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) over exorbitant lorry fares following the announcement of petroleum price increases by government. He said it was important that all stakeholders in the transport industry realise that they are part of government and should therefore, endeavour to obey and support it.

Mr Goh said government knew the increase would affect the transport sector that was why it negotiated with their national transport executives for the 30 percent increase on all fares to cushion any effect.

He therefore, asked all drivers to be cautious, while on the road and ensure the best comfort to the travelling public.

He also asked them to be considerate in luggage fares, especially as there are no scales at the stations to weigh such luggage. Meanwhile, taxi drivers in Ho are charging between 1,500 cedis and 2,000 cedis depending on the distance as against 1200 and 1500 cedis before the fuel price increases.

Benz buses from Ho to Accra are charging 25,000 cedis per passenger as the minimum fare as against the stipulated 22000 cedis minimum. Before the fuel price increases, they were charging 17000 cedis.