The Obuasi Municipal Assembly (OMA) has engaged transport operators within the Municipality on issues relating to transport fares, sanitation at lorry terminals, and driver attitudes.
The meeting was aimed at addressing reports of illegal fare charges, particularly during peak hours, as well as concerns about poor sanitation conditions at some lorry terminals and unacceptable driver conduct.
Addressing the gathering, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Madam Faustilove Appiah Kannin, called for discipline and fairness within the transport system in Obuasi. She expressed concern over the conduct of some drivers and transport operators regarding arbitrary fare hikes.
“There is no justification for increasing transport fares at this time. Government has taken steps to reduce fuel prices and spare parts, and these reductions must be reflected in fares charged to commuters,” she stated.
The MCE therefore appealed to drivers and transport unions to reduce fares in line with prevailing economic conditions and to desist from imposing illegal charges on passengers.
On sanitation, Madam Faustilove tasked transport operators to maintain clean and hygienic environments at their terminals. She stressed that traders operating within the terminals must be made to clean their surroundings regularly.
Touching on driver attitudes, the MCE urged union leaders to intensify education and orientation for their drivers, noting that some had been reported to display rude and unacceptable behaviour towards passengers.
In their response, transport operators welcomed the Assembly’s concerns and agreed to improve sanitation at the terminals and to engage their drivers on professionalism and good conduct. However, on the issue of fares, the operators explained that fare adjustments are usually directed by their national headquarters.
They assured the Assembly that any approved fare reductions would be implemented promptly. They also pledged to investigate reports of illegal fare hikes and to sanction offending drivers.
The meeting also discussed the operation of Pragya (tricycle) transport services, with a strong emphasis on discouraging minors from driving. The Assembly announced that a task force would soon be deployed to enforce compliance, including checks on Assembly embossment on vehicles. Offenders, the Assembly cautioned, would be sanctioned accordingly.
The engagement was attended by representatives of various transport unions, including GPRTU, Concern Drivers Association, OA, Pragya operators, and truck drivers. Officials present from the Obuasi Municipal Assembly included the MCE Honourable Faustilove Appiah Kannin, the Municipal Coordinating Director (MCD), Madam Joyce Akosua Angmorteh, the Transport Officer, Mr Scott Nkrumah, and the Information Officer, Mr Ernest Kofi Offen.
Ernest Kofi Offen, ISD
