Within a span of two years, the fare charges of shuttles in the University of Ghana has increased by more than 100%. From about 70 pesewas in 2016, the fares have gradually increased with every semester indicating a new price. In the first semester of the 2017/2018 academic year, it was 1gh, however, in the second semester, it increased to 1.50gh.
After quietly accepting that development, now, the Road safety and transport consultancies (RSTC), the organization in charge of the UG shuttles have announced their plans to increase the fare of the shuttle again. Their plan is to either add it to the academic fees of all students, to the residential fees of diaspora residents or to increase it from 1.50g to 2gh.
The initial increase to 1.50gh had students already reluctant to use the shuttle service. Now, as a result of this new development, students are demonstrating against this development and are calling for the RSTC to go.
The movement spearheaded Spearheaded by Adam Issaka(Kante) and Eric Amankona. Supported by representatives of Commonwealth Hall and a number of past and upcoming SRC aspirants including Ananpansah Isaac, Kweku Asante Bismark, Kweku Afful and Ewura Adams. Among other notable and concerned students mainly Abdallah Martin and Vanessa…
The reason for the campaign is that the students feel they have been over-exploited and that they want a drastic decrease of the RSTC fares. Since they’re not comfortable with paying the 1.50gh. They are also demanding for the demonopolisation of the shuttle services on campus. Or, they should scrap off the contract and replace it with a much cheaper one.
A demonstration is planned at a later date which includes a march around campus up to the VC’s residence.
But for now, the social media movement seems to be in full flight as various banners, open letters and pledges are being shared around.
The SRC has also released a communique assuring students that they would do their best to fight this burden.
Our ears are still on the development.
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