Transport fares will be reduced only if GUTA reduces prices of items – Concerned Drivers Association
The Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana (C-DAG) has stated emphatically that it will only reduce transport fares if the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) reduces the prices of items on the market.
The cedi has made significant gains against other major international currencies, especially the US dollar.
This development has been attributed to recent geopolitical events that have weakened the dollar, as well as significant efforts by the Mahama government to stabilise the local currency.
The government has taken measures to strengthen the cedi, such as increasing foreign reserves and boosting gold exports through the newly created Godbod.
GUTA recently urged its members to reduce the prices of goods to reflect the strengthening of the cedi against the dollar. However, some traders have argued that their current stock was purchased at the previous, higher exchange rate and must be cleared before prices can be reduced.
In an interview with Daakyehene Ofosu Agyemang, host of the New York-based Adinkra Radio Morning Show, the Chairman of the Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana, William Osei, acknowledged that the cedi’s gains against the dollar have led to a reduction in fuel prices, which has brought them some relief. However, he stated that they can only reduce transport fares if the prices of vehicle spare parts also decrease.
“Now that the dollar has dropped to such a considerable level, we expect GUTA to reduce their prices. If GUTA reduces the prices of spare parts for our vehicles, we will also reduce fares. A car engine that used to be sold for 3,000 cedis is now being sold for 4,000 cedis,” he said.
“We are not the only drivers’ group that will determine whether or not to reduce fares. In the coming days, we will meet with other drivers’ associations to reach a consensus on transport fares,” he added.
Source: Adinkraradio.com
