Following recent increases in the price of petroleum products, boat operators on the River Oti in the Nanumba South District of the Northern Region have raised their fares.
Instead of GH5, motorbike riders must pay between GH7 and GH10 cedis to be transported across the river.
Passengers who were previously charged GH1 must now pay GH3 to cross the river.
Many communities across the Oti River in the Northern Region must travel to Bimbilla on a daily basis for business.
On Bimbilla market days, such as today, the area is extremely crowded as people cross the river from both sides.
Passengers and motorcycles are transported across in canoes and boats.
There is only one boat that can transport 10 motorcycles and 30 passengers at the same time, whereas the canoe can transport 3 motorcycles and 10 passengers.
Fuel price increases, according to river boat operators, are affecting their work. They claim that their fuel expenses have skyrocketed.
“On market days like this, we don’t rest,” said Hudu Alhassan, a boat operator. We are constantly on the river, ferrying passengers. We raised the price due to fuel costs. We buy a lot because the machine uses a lot of fuel.”
“Our main problem is the river and the fares we now pay,” said Awabu Abdulai, a businesswoman crossing the river. All of our money goes toward transportation because everything has increased, and the motor kings and boats have also raised their fares.”
“We’re asking the government to build a bridge across the river for us.”
Fusheina Mahama, another businesswoman, stated, “our road is now a problem.” You can no longer travel on this road if you don’t have money. You pay for the canoes and the motor kings.”
Motor king operators on the Bimbilla side who transport them to Bimbilla have raised their fares as well.
One significant challenge for passengers using the boats to cross is the lack of lifeguards.