Travelers cry about arbitrary transport fare increases

Travelers in the Asante-Mampong Municipality and the Sekyere Central District, have expressed outrage at what they say was abnormal increase in transport fares by commercial vehicle operators in these areas. Following the recent petroleum price adjustments by the National Petroleum Authority, fares had gone up in the two districts by between 40 and 66 per cent. The fare from Nsuta to Banko for example had risen to GH¢1.50 from GH¢1.00, while that of Mampong-Ejura is up from GH¢1.50 to GH¢2.00 with Nsuta-Ankomadoa climbing to GH¢1.50 from 90 pesewas. This, the people argued was unreasonable and that it was worsening their economic situation. The drivers, however, insist they are not to blame. Kofi Kodua, a Nissan Urvan mini-bus driver told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that they have no option, but to pass on the increase in fuel prices to the passengers.