Transport Ministry to meet GPRTU over proposed 30% fare increase

Transport unions are set to meet with the Ministry of Transport today, Tuesday, July 28 for discussions on a proposed 30 per cent increase in transport fares as operators grapple with rising fuel prices and the increasing cost of vehicle spare parts.

The meeting comes after transport operators called for an upward review of fares, arguing that the current fare structure no longer reflects the high cost of operating commercial vehicles.

Ahead of the engagement, the Deputy Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), Samuel Amoah, said the unions are hopeful of reaching a consensus with the government.

According to him, the discussions will determine whether the government intends to introduce measures to cushion transport operators or allow negotiations on a fare adjustment.

"They want to engage us and listen to what we have to say. If they believe there is nothing they can do about the high cost of petroleum products, we will lay our proposed percentage on the table for negotiation. Whatever agreement we reach, we will communicate to our members," Mr. Amoah told Citi News.

The unions maintain that soaring fuel prices, coupled with the rising cost of spare parts and vehicle maintenance, have placed enormous financial pressure on commercial drivers, making a fare review inevitable.

Meanwhile, the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) has urged the government to reinstate the fuel price intervention introduced during the height of the Middle East crisis, saying the policy previously helped cushion consumers against sharp increases in fuel prices.

Executive Secretary of COPEC, Duncan Amoah, noted that the temporary intervention reduced diesel prices by GH¢2 per litre and petrol by GH¢2.09 per litre, providing significant relief for transport operators, businesses and motorists.

He warned that diesel prices are once again nearing GH¢18 per litre and could rise further if no intervention is introduced.

"We are appealing to the government to reintroduce that intervention because diesel is once again approaching GH¢18 per litre, and indications are that prices could rise even further," he said.