From George Ernest Asare, Kumasi
Following the recent increase in road and bridge tolls, some commercial drivers plying the Kumasi-Mampong road have arbitrary increased lorry fares, bringing them on a collision course with some passengers.
While the drivers insisted that they have the right to increase the fares to enable them meet their target in terms of daily sales, the passengers think otherwise.
To the passengers, any increase in lorry fare should be approved by the leadership of the drivers unions and the government.
Referring to the increased fares which ranged between 80 and 100 per cent, the passengers said it was not only arbitrarily, but also illegal.
A female teacher, who lodged a complaint with the Kumasi Central Police Motor Transport and Traffic Unit (MTTU) has, therefore, called on the government to intervene to bring sanity in the area.
Mrs Olivia Boakye, who teaches at Gyamah Pensa Senior High School at Aboaso, near Ntonso in the Kwabre District of Ashanti, said early government intervention would avert possible clash and bloodshed between aggrieved passengers and drivers.
She said it was equally important for the government to come out with a statement regarding the increase in tolls and whether it attracts arbitrarily increase in lorry fares just as is done when fuel prices increase.
According to an advertisement placed in the media, motorbikes which previously were exempted from the payment of tolls now pay 10Gp, while saloon cars which previously paid 5Gp now pay 50Gp.
Pickups and light buses now pay GH¢1 instead of the 80Gp and Mummy wagons, Heavy buses and Heavy trucks also pay between GH¢1:50 to GH¢2 and GH¢2:20, depending on the type of vehicle.
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