The Tarkwa Taxi Drivers Association has confirmed that its planned strike action will go ahead on Monday, September 7, 2026, following the rejection of its proposed GH¢1 increase in taxi fares by the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipal Assembly.
The association said the decision to embark on the industrial action follows concerns over the rising cost of operating taxis, which it says has placed considerable financial pressure on drivers.
According to the drivers, the cost of fuel, spare parts, tyres and routine vehicle maintenance has increased significantly, making it increasingly difficult for them to sustain their operations under the existing fare structure.
They argue that the proposed GH¢1 adjustment was intended to help cushion drivers against these rising operational costs and ensure that they can continue providing transportation services to residents.
However, the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipal Assembly has rejected the proposed increase, prompting the association to proceed with its planned strike.
The drivers are expected to withdraw their services on Monday, a move that could affect commuters who rely heavily on taxis for their daily transportation within Tarkwa and surrounding communities.
The association has appealed to members of the public to understand and support their position, stressing that the action is aimed at drawing attention to the economic difficulties confronting taxi operators.
Despite the decision to proceed with the strike, the association has indicated that it remains willing to engage the Municipal Assembly and other relevant stakeholders to find a mutually acceptable solution.
It is calling for further dialogue on the fare structure, with the expectation that an agreement can be reached that reflects the current cost of operating commercial vehicles while taking into consideration the financial burden on passengers.
The planned action is therefore likely to put pressure on stakeholders to revisit the issue and find a resolution before the strike begins or while efforts are made to bring the dispute to an end.
For commuters, the development could mean increased difficulty in accessing taxi services from Monday if the planned action proceeds as announced.
The association has not indicated how long the strike will last, leaving the duration of the action dependent on the outcome of subsequent engagements with the Municipal Assembly and other stakeholders.
For now, taxi drivers in Tarkwa are maintaining that the GH¢1 adjustment remains necessary to help them cope with escalating operational expenses, while remaining open to negotiations towards what they describe as a fair and reasonable resolution.
By 1960news.com
