Agona Swedru, March 4, GNA- Taxi drivers at Agona Swedru on Thursday embarked on strike to protest against a new transport fare of 1,300 cedis announced by the Agona District Security Council, following government's increment of petroleum prices by 50 per cent. The Police had to fire warning shots before the aggrieved drivers removed road blocks they have mounted. Ten (10) of the drivers have been arrested for obstructing traffic.

Commuters mainly traders had to walk long distances to their destinations.

Mr Kwesi Nyakoh, Local Chairman of the Progressive Transport Owners Association (PROTOA), said the Council did not consult members of the Association before approving the new fare.

Mr Nyakoh said PROTOA was in favour of 1,500 cedis to help the drivers to recover operational cost. Mr Paa Kojo Anyanful, Former Executive Member of PROTOA, advised the drivers not to take the law into their hands while seeking redress to their grievances.

Nana Yaw Fayah, Central Regional Chairman of PROTOA said although the drivers had the right to demonstrate it was against the law for some of them to mount road blocks.

Mr Yaw Korankye, a driver appealed to the government to help resolve the impasse to enable them to make ends meet.