Increase In Lorry Fares Met With Mixed Reactions In Koforidua

Lorry fares in the Koforidua Municipality had increased as a result of the recent increases in prices of petroleum products. A survey conducted by the Ghana News Agency(GNA) indicated that, fares from Koforidua to Tema had increased from GH�7 to GH�8 for ordinary vehicles, and from GH�8 to GH�9 for mini air-conditioned buses. Transport fare from Koforidua to Accra had increased from GH�8 to GH�10 for air-conditioned mini buses, and from GH�7.50 to GN�8.50 for ordinary mini buses. The fare for mini buses from Koforidua to Mampong, Akropong and Mamfi used to be GH�3.50, and is now GH�4.20, while the fare from Koforidua to Larteh was GH�4, but is now GH�4.60. Taxi fares had also increased, and the fare from the central business area of Koforidua to Jumapo used to be GH�1.80, but it is now GH�2, while Koforidua to Suhyen which used to be GH�1.70 is now GH�2. Fares from the Koforidua market square to Galloway, Old Estates and Adweso used to be GH�1, but now GH�1.20. The fare from market square to Poly was GH�1.20, but it is now GH�1.40. Speaking to the GNA, Mr George Boateng, alias Kulikuli, the branch chairman of the Koforidua Taxi Rank said, passengers are being educated on the new fares before boarding the vehicles, to avoid confrontations between drivers and passengers on the way. Reacting to the new fares, Madam Akosua Frempongmaa, a passenger, bemoaned the increase in the price of petroleum products, which is affecting prices of commodities and other services. She said education is becoming expensive, and with corruption everywhere, the situation is now getting worse. She, therefore, appealed to government to stabilize the economy. Madam Frempongmaa said she would not cast her vote anymore for any politician in the country. Mr Daniel Yeboah, a passenger, said he is cool with the current fares, and has no problem about the new fares. Madam Joyce Donkor said, the increase in the fares is not something new to her, so she is okay with the new increase in fares.