The Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana has cautioned commercial drivers against increasing transport fares without approval from the relevant authorities.

The association’s public relations officer, David Agboado, said drivers could not independently determine when fares should be increased or decide how much passengers should pay.

He said although rising operating costs could support calls for higher fares, any adjustment must follow the required process and involve all relevant stakeholders.

Agboado said drivers should wait for the government’s one-month consultation period, during which stakeholders are expected to submit their views, before any new fare regime is introduced.

He warned drivers who charge passengers fares that have not been approved to stop the practice or risk facing legal action.

Agboado also welcomed the recent GHC2 reduction in diesel prices but said the reduction was insufficient to significantly ease the financial burden on commercial drivers.

He said fuel remains one of the major expenses for drivers, alongside other rising operational costs.

According to him, further reductions in fuel prices could ease the pressure on drivers and help prevent increases in transport fares.

He, however, warned that sustained high fuel prices could eventually force drivers to demand higher fares to cover their operating costs.

For now, he urged drivers to adhere to the existing fare regime and wait for the consultation process to be completed before making any changes.