Transport crisis deepens as cost of spare parts and tyres fuels agitation
Scores of commuters in Atebubu, Bono East Region, were left stranded over the weekend after commercial drivers in the Atebubu/Amantin Municipality suspended operations to press home demands for an upward review of transport fares.
The strike action, which caught many passengers off guard, brought activities at the main lorry station to a standstill. Travellers heading to nearby towns and regional centres were forced to wait for hours without vehicles, while others had to abandon their journeys altogether.
Some drivers who spoke to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) explained that the escalating cost of spare parts, tyres, and general vehicle maintenance had made their work unsustainable under the current fare regime. They stressed that without fare adjustments, most drivers risked being pushed out of business.
Municipal Chief Executive, Mr. Thomas Maswud Ayarba, acknowledged the frustration of both passengers and drivers, assuring that the Assembly was engaging transport unions to reach a fair and stable fare arrangement. “We are sensitive to the plight of the drivers and passengers. The Assembly is working to find a solution that benefits both sides,” he told GNA.
Meanwhile, commuters expressed disappointment over the strike, calling on government and local authorities to act swiftly to restore normalcy. Some traders said they lost valuable market hours due to the disruption, while others feared that prolonged action could affect food supply and business activities in the municipality.
The situation underscores growing tensions in the transport sector, where rising operational costs continue to fuel demands for fare increases, often leaving passengers caught in the middle.
