No Car Without a Union Sticker Will Be Allowed to Operate – GPRTU Chairman Warns
The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the GPRTU, Alhaji Sumaila Boakye, has issued a strong warning to commercial drivers operating outside the various transport unions. According to him, any vehicle that does not bear a valid union sticker will soon be banned from operating within the region.
Alhaji Boakye explained that most drivers now refuse to join any recognized union and instead park along the roadside to load passengers, bypassing the designated lorry stations. What started with a few has now become a widespread issue, with even station drivers abandoning the unions to join them due to competition.
He described the situation as a serious security threat, since these unregulated vehicles cannot be traced in case of incidents. To curb this growing menace and with the approval of the Ashanti Regional Minister the GPRTU will soon introduce union-specific stickers. Only vehicles with these stickers will be permitted to load passengers.
Alhaji Boakye also touched on the many unions currently operating without making any real impact, blaming it on the lack of proper scrutiny in the issuance of licenses. He said there are currently about 24 unions, many of which exist without clear leadership structures or functional offices.
When asked about the recent fuel price reductions impact on fares during a phone interview on Kessben Maakye show, the GPRTU Chairman stated that transport fares will remain unchanged for now, as the cost of spare parts and maintenance has not decreased. He also reminded the public that fares were not increased when fuel prices shot up months ago.
He ended by calling on authorities to support efforts to sanitize the transport system and ensure safety for all passengers.
By: Anthonia Kumado
