Ghana is currently going through a tough economic situation. The country’s inflation rate currently stands at 40% and its currency, the Cedi, has depreciated heavily against the dollar this year. At the time of writing this article, the current rate stands at $1 = 14.80 GHC.
The economic situation appears to be affecting ride-sharing drivers for Uber and Bolt and it appears there’s a trend where some drivers are canceling card trips mid-trip in favor of cash.
In an interview with GhanaWeb, Francis Tenge, the President of Online Drivers Union says this occurrence is happening due to Ghana’s worsening economic situation.
He stated that despite the increase in driver fares, drivers were still facing burdens including the high price of fuel. He argued that even though card trips were more efficient, drivers usually receive their payment settlement in a week which was far too long.
Drivers would rather opt for cash trips because it would enable them to get cash on hand quicker to enable them to purchase fuel and also pay some of their car owners.
“The driver has to wait till Wednesday afternoon for the money to hit into his bank which he has to withdraw. By that time, car owners are demanding sales on Monday so that is the only disadvantage so if they can actually do something about it,” Francis Tenge stated.
Francis Tenge wants ride-sharing companies to consider reviewing the fees of short-distance trips to GH¢20 or a minimum of GH¢15.
