The Executive Secretary of the Association of Online Drivers of Ghana, Augustine Mensah, has indicated that the government could create over one million direct jobs in the online driving sector if it is properly regulated.
He explained that online drivers play a significant role in the country’s economy, as they continuously purchase fuel to sustain their operations and provide round-the-clock transportation services to Ghanaians.
Mr. Mensah made these remarks when executives of the association presented a petition to President John Dramani Mahama at the Jubilee House. The petition addressed concerns over charges imposed by ride-hailing platforms such as Uber, Bolt, and Yango.
According to him, the 30% commission charged per trip by these platform operators is placing significant financial strain on drivers, leaving many struggling to meet basic needs, including rent.
He therefore appealed to the government, through its relevant agencies, to engage the platform operators to review their systems and ensure that fare and distance calculations are accurate and fair.
Meanwhile, Presidential Aide Sammy Ayeh, who received the petition on behalf of the government, commended the association for choosing dialogue over violence in presenting their concerns.
He assured the drivers that he would personally deliver the petition to President John Dramani Mahama for prompt intervention. He also noted that the online driving sector would play a crucial role in the government’s proposed 24-hour economy policy.
According to him, a vibrant transportation system is essential for the successful implementation of the government’s flagship programme, the 24-hour economy initiative, being championed by President John Dramani Mahama.
