The Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC) has warned drivers to stop charging new transport fares.

Since last Saturday, some drivers have been charging new transport fares following a decision by the Concerned Drivers Union to increase fares by 20% due to the high cost of fuel in the country.

Amid agitations by the general public and the confusion as to whether the unilateral decision by the Concerned Drivers Union is legal, the GRTCC has set the records straight.

In a press release signed by Emmanuel Ohene-Yeboah who is Secretary for the Council, it has stressed that stakeholders have not agreed on the new fares yet.

“We wish to state that, transport fares has always been negotiated for and on behalf of all operators by the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council and the Ghana Private Road Transport Union, no single union or group have the capacity to determine the quantum of increase except the two bodies mentioned above,” the release explains.

Meanwhile, drivers who have already been charging the new fares have been cautioned to revert to the old fares until any new decision is taken.

“We want to reiterate that the GRTCC and the GPRTU have not divorced from standing protocols for fare increase, it is, therefore, unjustified for any group of persons to stampede the process to announce fare increase without reference to the standing protocols.

“We wish to advise the public to disregard any increase and the drivers to desist from charging any new fare, as we continue with the discussion on the appropriate adjustment which will be signed by the representatives of the GRTCC and the GPRTU and communicate the same to you,” the release adds.