Let’s avoid tango over lorry fares
The government recently announced a 10 per cent reduction in fuel prices, in line with the slum in the world market price of crude oil which is being sold at the lowest price since 2009.
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From a hesitant stance by the government on the reduction of fuel prices, persistent dialogue and advocacy by civil society groups finally resulted in the government yielding to the heavier weight of public opinion.
The government’s reason for not reducing the price was that it was indebted to the Bulk Oil Distribution Companies (BDCs) in excess of GH¢400 million and, therefore, decided to use the windfall from the price fall to offset its indebtedness.
Indeed, many have described the 10 per cent reduction in fuel prices as insignificant, considering the heavy drop in price on the world market.
When the government announced the price slash, public expectations were high regarding reduction in transport fares to mitigate the economic challenges that a good number of Ghanaians faced and have continued to battle with since last year.
However, a new challenge has ensued between commercial drivers and the authorities responsible for fixing new fares.
The Ghana Road Transport Co-ordinating Council (GRTCC) and the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) last week announced a five per cent reduction in transport fares but commercial drivers have not taken kindly to that price reduction.
The argument of the commercial drivers is that high import duty at the ports has led to a sharp rise in the prices of vehicle spare parts and for which reason they have to pay more in procuring spare parts for the maintenance of their vehicles.
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They, therefore, contend that the reduction in fuel prices by 10 per cent feeds into alleviating the burden of having to buy spare parts and maintaining vehicles at a high cost.
The standoff between the two groups has held the public’s expectation of a resultant decrease in transport fares in abeyance, resulting in occasional hot exchanges between public transport drivers and commuters.
Some groups have argued that if that is the situation, then it is better for the government to revert to the old prices, since the reduction has not brought any benefit to the majority of Ghanaians who patronise public transport.
The Daily Graphic believes that the strong cases of all parties notwithstanding, the taking of entrenched positions by any vested party will not augur well for public good and national development.
The quest for national harmony can only be ensured when passion over a vested interest is tempered with critical engagement through dialogue in a consistent manner to achieve mutually beneficial goals that will enhance the national good.
The government’s earlier stance on the reduction of fuel prices was reviewed following the use of civil processes of dialogue and advocacy.
These are the very mechanisms that resolve staggering differences in a democratic process and help in the deepening of alternative dispute resolution channels.
But in all these, the interest of the public must be of overriding concern. No matter how legitimate the claim of any party may be, it is imperative that the interest of the public is used as a benchmark in order to ensure harmony in society.
It is also important for the government to recognise the effects of high prices of petroleum products on the cost of living and heed appeals for further reduction to cushion the people against the harsh economic challenges.
All the same, the Daily Graphic implores all parties to pursue their interests through dialogue and a concern for the public good.
We must avoid getting entrenched in our parochial pursuits and think of that which will foster public good, fairness and the betterment of life for all.