Commercial drivers operating on the Santasi-Tech and Santasi-Ejisu routes in Kumasi have suspended operations and parked their vehicles in protest against the arrest of some of their colleagues for charging an additional GH¢1 on fares.
The drivers say the fare increase is necessary to cushion them against rising fuel prices and the growing cost of maintaining and operating their vehicles.
They have vowed not to resume work until authorities engage them in discussions over the fare adjustment and stop what they describe as the repeated arrest and prosecution of drivers.
The action has left scores of passengers stranded at the Santasi station.
Some of the drivers said although the government had proposed a 30 percent increase in transport fares, the adjustment has not yet been implemented.
They said they were therefore forced to add GH¢1 to existing fares to cope with rising fuel costs.
However, they claim drivers who charge the additional fare are being arrested and fined.
“Until the authorities meet us for a peaceful dialogue on the fare issue and stop arresting us and taking GH¢10,000 from us, we will not work,” one of the drivers lamented.
Another driver complained about the low income left after fuel and other operating expenses are deducted.
“Yesterday, my conductor and I made GH¢80 after taking out our sales and fuel expenses. How are we supposed to share that amount? What kind of cheating is this?” he asked.
The drivers said the rising cost of fuel has made it increasingly difficult to earn a decent income, despite spending long hours on the road.
They maintained that while the authorities have the power to arrest them, they will continue to park their vehicles until their concerns over fares are addressed.
