Road Transport operators in Ghana have vowed to embark on their intended nationwide strike action effective next Monday, February 8 in spite of President John Mahama’s intervention.
According to the drivers, though they appreciate the president’s move they are bent on venting their spleen over the unfair treatment against them by the National Insurance Commission (NIC) which has unjustifiably raised insurance premiums.
The drivers who are members of the Ghana Private Roads Transport Union (GPRTU) and the Ghana Roads Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC), action is intended to force the Commission to reduce the high premiums.
The Ghana Insurance Association (GIA) and the Ministry of Finance reached an agreement on a 300% increase in insurance premium in July 2015 which is being implemented in two phases.
President John Mahama at the sod cutting of the Kasoa Interchange Wednesday afternoon directed the Minister of Transport to convene a meeting with the National Insurance Commission (NIC) and road transport operators to reach an agreement on the amount to be charged as insurance premiums.
“I was watching the TV this morning where I saw our friends in road transport sector expressing concern about the challenge they that they face. My understanding is that insurance premiums have been increased. Government is not responsible for setting insurance premiums; it is the insurance companies and the National Insurance Commission. So if Insurance premiums have been increased it was not done in consultation with government.”
He added: “I’ve asked the Minister of Transport to call the National Insurance Commission, the GPRTU and other stakeholders to sit down and have a discussion on the insurance premiums and I’m sure that when that discussion happens everyone will leave there happy and there will be no problem.”
But speaking on Okay FM Thursday, Chairman Charles Danso, stated that though the driver associations respect the President, it has decided to use every legitimate means to get the high premiums reduced.
“The president’s intervention will not stop us from embarking on our strike. The President cannot say he doesn’t know anything about the increment because the NIC and the Ministry of Finance set the increment. The Finance Minister goes to cabinet meetings chaired by President. So who are those who sat in cabinet and approved the increments?
“We cannot allow these high premiums to be foisted on us to pay. We will resist it with all our might and ensure it is drastically reduced. Increasing third party insurance premium from GHC 70.00 to GHC 365.00 is too much. We are being milked and unfairly treated .
