Editorial: We Applaud VIP Jeoun

Operators of the intercity transport company, VIP Jeoun, have resolved to stay the price increase of transport fares for its buses, even though its management has the right to do so.

The Chronicle finds the decision by the transport giant as a good measure in the interest of Ghanaians.

The state owned Intercity STC, another major player in the transport sector has not spoken about whether it would increase its fares or not, but we hope it will also follow the good example that has been set by its competitor.

VIP Jeoun’s decision comes at the time the Alliance of Drivers Ghana, a  transport union, had  announced a 20 per cent increase in transport fares, effective Monday, March 17, 2025 citing rising fuel prices, escalating engine oil costs and the increasing prices of vehicle spare parts.

Indeed, The Chronicle was worried when VIP Jeoun, in response, announced new fares to take effect from April, but as we have just indicated, that decision has been put on hold.We must also admit that the intervention by the Minister of Transport was apt and most importantly at the right time.

The Chronicle would like to take the opportunity to appeal to all players in the various sectors of the economy to exercise maximum restraint and consider the plight of the ordinary Ghanaian, before taking certain financial decisions, which ultimately affect the living conditions.

We, however, wish to make it clear that our suggestion is not intended to dictate to the private enterprises on how to run their businesses. Rather, The Chronicle wishes to see private businesses working in collaboration with state agencies in the interest of the ordinary Ghanaian, whose income is nothing to write about.

With that said, we believe it is appropriate to appreciate the move by VIP Jeoun and urge other players in the transport industry to do the same, by reaffirming their commitment to ensuring fair competition and trading practices.

The Chronicle believes that if other transport operators can emulate the example by VIP Jeoun, it can go a long way to mitigate the economic hardship many Ghanaians are experiencing.

At this point, we wish to remind private enterprises that they cannot always operate in isolation; there are times they must necessarily team up with the state in running their businesses even though the state does not fund them.

On the other hand, we also wish to state that the time has come for the government to create better business environments for private enterprises to sustain their operations and to enable them make meaningful contributions to national development.

We say this because all over the world, private enterprises which have emerged and contributed to the growth of their economies do so in enabling environments created by their governments. Transport companies rely on fuel and vehicle spare parts to run the business. If the costs of these inputs are going up, they ideally have no choice than to also pass on the cost to their patrons -passengers

Once again, The Chronicle would like to commend VIP Jeoun for their resolve to stay the price increase of transport fares for its buses.That is certainly the way to go as part of an effort to reset the country, as the government of the day has pledged to do.

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