Joseph Bukari Nikpe nominated Minister-designate for Transport

President John Dramani Mahama has nominated Joseph Bukari Nikpe as Minister-Designate for Transport.

The announcement was part of the third batch of ministerial appointments submitted to Parliament for prior approval, as captured in a statement released by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Acting Spokesperson to the President.

Joseph Bukari Nikpe, MP for Saboba is expected to oversee a critical portfolio that plays a key role in Ghana’s transport infrastructure and economic connectivity.

If approved, his immediate challenges will include addressing concerns from the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), which is pressing for fare increments amid rising operational costs.

Other appointments in the third batch of ministerial nominees include Abdul-Rashid Pelpuo for the Ministry of Labour, Jobs, and Employment; Samuel Nartey George for the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations; and Adjei Kenneth Gilbert for the Ministry of Works, Housing, and Water Resources.

The Appointments Committee of Parliament is expected to begin vetting the nominees in the coming weeks.

GRPRTU on fare hikes

The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) had said it was awaiting the nomination of a Minister-designate for Transport to proceed with talks on a possible fare adjustment.

GPRTU stated that the threshold to warrant a fare adjustment has been met following recent fuel price hikes for the second consecutive time in January.

The upward adjustments are attributed to rising crude oil prices on the global market and the depreciation of the cedi.

In an interview with Citi Business News, the Industrial Relations Officer for GPRTU, Abass Imoro, indicated that the union is awaiting a Transport Minister nominee before any talks over fare increases.

“If the President is going to choose a Transport Minister, then we will work with the transport ministry. So, we are still waiting to see if a Transport Minister is appointed, go through the vetting process, and if they are accepted, then, of course, we will write to [him/her]. Normally, that is what we have been doing—going to the Transport Ministry and dealing with them directly,” he said.

When asked if GPRTU is awaiting the appointment of a Transport Minister before pushing for fare increases, Abass Imoro responded, saying, “that is what we are waiting for because we are far above the 10% threshold that allows us to change transport fares.

“We have exceeded that, so we are still waiting. We are not rushing anyone or giving the impression that we are chasing somebody. We are waiting patiently.”

Additionally, GPRTU says it plans to hold discussions with relevant authorities, advocating for the removal of certain taxes on fuel to reduce its cost.

Source: citinewsroom.com