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Commercial transport operators charge old fares despite 10% reduction directive

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Days after the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) announced a 10% reduction in transport fares, some commercial drivers at Circle in Accra are refusing to implement the directive.

According to these drivers, the recent reduction in fuel prices cannot be enough reason for the reduction in fares by 10%.

They argue that, there are several other factors when it comes to running the transport business, and until prices of spare parts and lubricants are reduced, they will not be in a position to reduce the fares.

Speaking to JoyNews, the drivers urged their leaders to reconsider the new directive.

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“It is true that they have reduced the fare, but the problem we are facing is that our executives are finding it difficult to give us the prices so we are waiting for them,” one driver said.

Another added that, “We are never told when a reduction is about to take place. It was on radio that I heard of the 10% reduction.”

“This reduction was not accepted by us. Our leaders did not have a sit-down with government to deliberate on this latest reduction. We didn’t see that happening this time,” another driver noted.

Meanwhile, some passengers say they are being cheated by the drivers since a hike in fuel price always results in fare increment, hence a reduction should result in a cut back.

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“As far as fuel prices go down, the drivers are supposed to reduce the transport fares so that passengers can enjoy the benefit. The drivers are not being fair to the passengers,” one woman stressed.

Another male passenger added that, “I think the drivers are just interested in making profit because if fuel price has been reduced then they should also try as much as possible to reduce the fare but that is not what we are seeing here.”

Background

Transport fares were reduced by 10 percent effective Wednesday, May 17, 2023, following the recent downward trend of petroleum prices.

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Road Transport Operators announced reduction in a release jointly signed by Emmanuel Ohene Yeboah, General Secretary of Ghana Road Transport Coordination Council, and Godfred Abulbire, General Secretary of Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU).

The new fares were to apply to shared taxis, intra-city buses, popularly called tro-tro, intercity (long distance) buses, and haulage vehicles.

The release stated that the reduction was in line with the Administrative Arrangement on Public Transport Fares, and was a response to the observed reductions in the prices of petroleum products over the period.

It urged all commercial transport operators to comply with the new fares and post them at their loading terminals.

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Source : Myjoyonline

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Justin Kodua Frimpong files nomination to seek re-election as NPP General Secretary

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General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Justin Kodua Frimpong, has filed his nomination to contest the position of General Secretary again as the party begins its rebuilding efforts ahead of the 2028 general elections.

He was accompanied by party stalwarts and supporters who were in high spirits, expressing confidence that he is the right person to hold the position.

Speaking after filing his nomination, Mr Kodua Frimpong assured the rank and file of the party that he would not disappoint them.

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“I can assure you that the faith the rank and file of the party have had in me, I will never disappoint them,” he said.

He also pledged to run a clean campaign devoid of personal attacks.

“I can assure you that our internal campaign will be devoid of personal attacks,” he told his fellow contestants and the rank and file of the party as he seeks to retain his position.

His tenure has seen the party through the 2024 general elections, where the NPP lost power to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) after eight years in government.

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The party is currently in a rebuilding phase, with internal elections scheduled to elect new national executives to lead its reorganization towards the 2028 polls.

The General Secretary position is considered one of the most influential in the party’s administrative structure, responsible for the day-to-day running of the party secretariat and implementation of party decisions.

By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme

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UGMC disputes Michael Blackson’s claims over late mother’s treatment

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The University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) has disputed claims made on social media by comedian Michael Blackson concerning the treatment given to his late mother, saying a review found that the allegations did not accurately reflect what happened during her stay at the hospital.

In a statement issued in Accra on August 5, 2026, the management of UGMC expressed condolences to Mr. Blackson and his family over the death of his 83-year-old mother, who died at the facility on July 16, 2026.

The hospital said it had taken the concerns raised by Mr. Blackson seriously and conducted a thorough review in line with its clinical and administrative procedures.

According to the statement, the facts presented by Mr. Blackson on social media contained “numerous inaccuracies” and did not accurately reflect the medical care provided to his mother.

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UGMC explained that she was referred to the facility from another hospital and received treatment there from May 27 to July 16, 2026, a period of about eight weeks.

The hospital stated that it would not release details of her diagnosis, treatment, medical records or other aspects of her care because it had a duty to protect patient confidentiality, even after death.

It said the decision was intended to respect the dignity of the deceased and the privacy of her family.

UGMC further stated that all clinical decisions at the facility are made by qualified healthcare professionals based on medical judgment, established standards of care and the best interests of the patient.

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The statement added that such decisions are made in consultation with authorised family representatives where necessary and that billing and financial procedures are governed by institutional policies and are separate from clinical decision-making.

The hospital noted that it values feedback from patients and their families and considers both positive and negative comments important for improving the quality of care.

Mr. Blackson had earlier used social media to criticise the care his mother received at UGMC, prompting the hospital’s response.

By: Jacob Aggrey

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