C-DAG expresses its dissatisfaction with the recent 15% increase in transportation fares.

The Concern Drivers Association of Ghana has claimed that they are dissatisfied with the recent 15 percent increase in transportation rates that went into effect on Saturday, February 26, 2022. 

Their displeasure stems from the fact that the prices of gasoline commodities, as well as spare parts and lubricants, have increased by multiples, a situation that significantly outweighs the 15% increase granted to us. 

According to a press statement signed by Nii Ashi, Chairman of the Greater Accra Region, they can only expect to break even at this stage because earning a profit from their business has become unattainable. 

"What that implies is that we'd have to force ourselves to modify to keep our business going," it said. 

"However, it is worth emphasizing that we have only reluctantly accepted the increase as a result of the sentiments we share with our clients regarding the current state of difficulty in our country," it added. 

However, the ongoing upward adjustment in fuel costs under this regime is quite concerning. 

"Perhaps it is more refreshing to remind the President of the Republic, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, of his solemn commitment made to us at several sites on his resolve to dramatically cut the price of petrol," it said. 

Then, as a presidential candidate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), he pledged to reduce fuel prices dramatically if elected President at Fadama and Kwame Nkrumah Circle in Accra, Kejetia in Kumasi, Tamale, the Northern regional capital, and Mankesim in the central region, among other places across the country. 

But, unfortunately, the narrative has been a strong contrast, as gasoline has already surpassed the GHC 8.00 level, despite his prediction of GHC 3 to 4 in 2017. 

Then, as a presidential candidate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), he pledged to reduce fuel prices dramatically if elected President at Fadama and Kwame Nkrumah Circle in Accra, Kejetia in Kumasi, Tamale, the Northern regional capital, and Mankesim in the central region, among other places across the country. 

But, unfortunately, the narrative has been a strong contrast, as gasoline has already surpassed the GHC 8.00 level, despite his prediction of GHC 3 to 4 in 2017. 

"We have noted with concern how the Minister of Finance has begun citing the Russia-Ukraine war as a possible cause for another increase in fuel prices, and wish to remind the President, in his own words, that petrol is drilled in our country, making it irrational to continue raising petrol prices," the statement said. 

"We, therefore, convey to the President that any additional increase in the price of gasoline will not be tolerated by our members and that we would instead move to picket at his known residence in Nima with our automobiles from all ladies of the country," the statement said. 

"Life has become miserable, and we want the Nana Addo government to be more aggressive in saving us from death as we rally behind him to realize his presidential goal," the statement said. 

Once a result, they advise their clients, particularly passengers, not to argue or dispute with drivers as the full implementation of the increased transportation fares takes effect. 

They want to make it clear that the constant rise in petrol costs has rendered drivers increasingly poorer, and they want to send a strong message to the government that any further rise would be devastating.