Most commercial drivers in the Ashanti Region have defied the GPRTU’s directive to reduce transport fares, as announced by the transport union.

According to the drivers, the 15% fare reduction can only be implemented starting Monday, May 26.

During Citi News’ visit to several transport terminals, the majority of drivers were still charging the old fares, with only a few having implemented the reduction.

READ ALSO: GPRTU To Reduce Transport Fares By 15% Effective May 25

While those yet to adjust their fares assured that they would comply from Monday, those who had already reduced theirs expressed dissatisfaction with the directive, citing the high cost of spare parts and vehicle maintenance.

The 15% reduction was announced by the GPRTU as part of efforts to ease the financial burden on Ghanaians, following the recent appreciation of the cedi and a drop in fuel prices.

READ ALSO: GPRTU and GRTCC Announce New Transport Fare Chart Following 15% Reduction, Effective May 24

Solomon Frimpong, a commercial driver, said, “We are waiting for the new fares from our leadership before we can reduce them; until then, we are going by the old fares.”

John Mensah, another commercial driver, said, “We have reduced our fares, but we are not happy with the new fares because they’re not helping us.

The prices of spare parts are still the same, so this reduction is going to affect the drivers.”

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The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference has called on President John Mahama to declare a targeted state of emergency in areas worst affected by illegal mining, known as galamsey.

During a visit to the Jubilee House, the President of the Conference, Most Rev. Matthew Gyamfi, presented a series of strong recommendations to help combat the growing threat of environmental degradation caused by illegal mining activities.

Introducing the proposal, he said, “Your Excellency, we propose the following and we are ready to back you up in all ways to arrest this menace. First, repeal of permissive legal instruments.”

He continued, “Audit and repeal legislative instruments enabling unchecked licensing under the Minerals and Mining Act 2006 (Act 703) and associated legislative instruments. Place a moratorium on licences, and an immediate freeze on new artisanal and small-scale mining licences until a full review of environmental and social impact is completed.”

Calling for decisive action, Most Rev. Gyamfi added, “We believe there should be a targeted state of emergency. Declare, Your Excellency, a limited state of emergency in all the affected zones to suspend all mining activities temporarily. Deploy military engineering units for reclamation.”

In response, President Mahama assured the Bishops that his government is already taking firm steps to curb the crisis.

“We have flushed out illegal miners from the country’s forest reserves and seized their equipment to prevent further environmental degradation,” he said.

The President also highlighted the role of the Ghana Gold Board, explaining that its responsibilities go beyond gold buying and exportation.

“If you read the law, part of the Gold Board’s responsibilities is to work with small-scale miners who are compliant, to give them the technology and assistance to do mining sustainably,” he noted.

President Mahama welcomed a key proposal from the Bishops on land reclamation, saying, “One of the things that Reverend Gyamfi raised in his presentation was the issue of a reclamation bond. We don’t charge reclamation bond to small-scale mining companies. We do it for the big companies. But it’s time for us to bring a reclamation bond to the small-scale mining community.”

He explained how the bond would work saying; “Some of the revenue they get from the gold is put into that bond. If they finish and they reclaim the land, their money is refunded. If they don’t, then that money will be used to contract people who will come and do the reclamation for us.”

On the broader damage already caused, the President revealed that “16% of our forest reserves have been destroyed and encroached upon.” He added that plans are underway to use the carbon credit system to finance the restoration of affected areas.

Beyond the issue of illegal mining, President Mahama also touched on the economy, stating that his government has introduced targeted interventions to help ease the rising cost of living.

Veteran Ghanaian actor and TV host, Akwasi Boadi—better known as Akrobeto—was involved in a serious car accident while traveling to Kumasi on Friday, May 23. The incident occurred near Konongo on the notorious Accra-Kumasi highway, a route known for heavy traffic and frequent crashes.

According to preliminary reports and eyewitnesses, Akrobeto’s vehicle collided with a large truck, though the exact cause of the crash is still under investigation.

Emergency services rushed to the scene, and while the vehicle sustained significant front-end damage, Akrobeto was fortunate to escape without any major injuries. Images and videos circulating on social media show the severity of the impact, with the front of the car badly damaged.

Thankfully, no other injuries or fatalities have been reported in the incident.

Emergency services responded swiftly to the scene. While the crash caused significant damage to the vehicle, Akrobeto fortunately did not sustain any serious injuries.

Check out the video below:

Akrobeto has spoken, indicating that he is feeling very fine. Watch the video below: