An impassioned public appeal has been made to the Minister of Transport, Northern Regional Minister, Tamale Mayor, and District Chief Executives across the Northern Region to urgently engage with the Yellow Yellow Driver and Transport Union over what has been described as “unreasonably high” transport fares.
The appeal, led by T.T. Kamara, Secretary of the SMC and Special Aide to Hon. Alhaj A.B.A. Fuseini, urges immediate action to ease the economic burden on commuters by revising current fare structures to reflect recent drops in fuel prices and broader economic improvements under the leadership of H.E. John Dramani Mahama.
In a statement addressed to key government officials and the transport union, Mr. Kamara emphasized the daily struggle of ordinary citizens, students, and workers who rely on the popular Yellow Yellow tricycles for affordable transportation. He described the high transport fares as a “heavy burden” on the population and a “direct contradiction to the spirit of fairness and social responsibility.”
Mr. Kamara noted that with the appreciation of the cedi and a significant reduction in fuel prices—developments credited to Mahama’s economic stewardship—operational costs for Yellow Yellow drivers have dropped. However, these savings have yet to translate into relief for passengers.
“It is only fair that when fuel prices drop, the cost of transport should also be reduced,” Kamara stated. “When prices go up, adjustments are swift and automatic; therefore, the same energy must apply when the economic tides turn in favor of the people.”
He called on transport leaders and government authorities to initiate immediate dialogue aimed at a sustainable fare reduction, guided by transparency and mutual understanding. The letter underscored the need for social balance—where drivers earn fair profits but do not exploit the people they serve.
“The Yellow Yellow drivers are vital to our local economy. Their role is indispensable. But their pricing must reflect fairness and the current economic reality,” Kamara added.
The call comes at a time when many households across the Northern Region continue to grapple with cost-of-living pressures, and affordable transportation remains a crucial factor in accessing education, jobs, and healthcare.
Concluding the appeal, Mr. Kamara urged government officials to demonstrate proactive leadership, stressing that this is “not just an appeal; it is a call to action.”
“The people of this region look up to you for solutions, not just words,” he said. “Let us act now to bring real relief to our people.”
At the time of reporting, there has been no official response from the Yellow Yellow Driver and Transport Union or the Transport Ministry, but stakeholders across the region are expected to weigh in as public pressure mounts.
File by: Issifu Alidu Laa-Bandow//www.zaaghana.com
