Some commercial drivers in the Ashanti Regional capital, Kumasi, are being compelled to buy fuel on credit, following the rise in fuel prices, which has led to the increase in the cost of goods and services.
In an interview on JoyNews’ Living Standard Series, they expressed worry over the fuel consumption rate of their vehicles, a situation the drivers reckon is impacting negatively on their finances.
A driver at Ayigya, Anokye, said the price instability of the commodity at the pumps is affecting his livelihood.
He is among some drivers buying fuel on credit. The story is the same for his colleague, Asare, who indicated that his vehicle now consumes more fuel than his body consumes food.
He added that the increased prices have forced him to cut down his spending on food and plans to quit the job he loves.
“It’s been tough for us. We mostly feel tired because there is no food in the stomach. You always have to wait until 4 pm before you can get something to eat in anticipation of the next day.
“You will work and won’t get anything. It looks like we are working for the car owners and the government because you work and use it to buy fuel; you work to make sales to the car owner. That is all; what are you earning? So we are just working on getting something better to do and quitting this driving work.”
The 33-year-old says he is of age to get married, but he cannot afford even a wedding ring.
“Look at me; I don’t have a family, so when will I mobilise money to get family and even raise children who would take care of me?” he stated.
Two ladies working as bus conductors at Tech Junction, Angela and Priscilla, mentioned their daily earnings and commissions have dwindled lately.
When their masters do not earn enough, these ‘trotro’ mates are disadvantaged in making an extra.
“I used to earn ¢80, but now we don't earn anything because of the hike in fuel prices. We only get ¢10. We currently pay more at the fuel stations; we don’t get enough commission nowadays.
“Our maters aren’t getting enough now, so we can’t even make extra cash,” they indicated.
When next you join a public transport and see a trotro mate aggressively demanding the additional coins from you, the reason may not be far-fetched.
Latest Stories
-
Gold Fields Ghana Foundation challenges graduates to maximise benefits of community apprenticeship programme
1 hour -
GBC accuses Deputy Information Minister Sylvester Tetteh of demolishing its bungalow illegally
2 hours -
Boost for education as government commissions 80 projects
2 hours -
NAPO commissions library to honour Atta-Mills’ memory
2 hours -
OmniBSIC Bank champions health and wellness with thriving community walk
2 hours -
Kora Wearables unveils Neo: The Ultimate Smartwatch for Ghana’s tech-savvy and health-conscious users
2 hours -
NDC supports Dampare’s ‘no guns at polling stations’ directive
2 hours -
Police officer interdicted after video of assault goes viral
2 hours -
KNUST’s Prof. Reginald Annan named first African recipient of World Cancer Research Fund
2 hours -
George Twum-Barimah-Adu pledges inclusive cabinet with Minority and Majority leaders
3 hours -
Labourer jailed 5 years for inflicting cutlass wounds on businessman
3 hours -
Parliament urged to fast-track passage of Road Traffic Amendment Bill
3 hours -
Mr Daniel Kofi Asante aka Electrician
3 hours -
Minerals Commission, Solidaridad unveils forum to tackle child labour in mining sector
3 hours -
Election 2024: Engagement with security services productive – NDC
3 hours