By Mohamed Kamara
Native Consortium and Research Center (NCRC) has issued a one-week ultimatum to commercial transport operators, including Keke riders, Okada riders, sea transport providers, and public drivers, demanding full adherence to the recently announced reduction in transport fares.
The Consortium warned that if the Ministry of Transport fails to enforce the fare reduction within seven days, passengers across the country will stage a nationwide protest. The protest, the group says, will take place at lorry parks, jetties, and on the streets, with a specific date to be announced.
In a public statement, the Consortium referenced a petition it filed, which adds further weight to a private member’s motion introduced in Parliament by Hon. Ben Mansaray last month. The group stressed that if Parliament goes on recess next week without debating the petition and motion—under Standing Orders 15 and 70—they will mobilize passengers nationwide to protest fare non-compliance.
The NCRC also challenged the Ministry of Transport over its fare review process. It questioned why a flat Le 10 fare reduction was applied to provincial routes, while urban services saw a proportional 20% reduction. The group called on Deputy Minister of Transport Rex Bonafa to publicly explain the basis for the decision.
“Passengers must enjoy the full benefit of the recent drop in fuel prices,” the Consortium said, adding that the government and the National Petroleum Regulatory Agency (NPRA) have not contributed to making fuel affordable, as the price remains at NLe27.
The statement also revisited past concerns raised by consumer advocate Edmond Abu, who had criticized the Waka Fine buses, calling them a “criminal enterprise.” This was reaffirmed during a recent government press conference, where Deputy Minister Bonafa disclosed that the Waka Fine buses are not owned by the government or the public.
The Consortium further criticized the Ministry for restricting other public transport operators like Kekes, Okadas, and Poda-Podas from using key roads such as Wilkinson Road and Bai Bureh Road, questioning the business rationale behind such decisions.
As tensions grow, the Consortium is urging immediate government intervention to prevent disruption and ensure fair treatment of passengers across the country.
