Transport operators to increase fares by 20% from 2nd June

Commuters across Ghana will pay 20 per cent more for public transport from June 2, following a decision by transport operators.

The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and the Commercial Transport Operators of Ghana announced the nationwide fare adjustment, citing rising fuel prices and increasing vehicle maintenance costs.

The increase comes ahead of a planned meeting between transport unions and the Ministry of Transport on June 1 to discuss developments in the sector.

Operators say the continuous rise in fuel prices, coupled with the high cost of spare parts and other operational expenses, has made it difficult to maintain existing fare levels.

Executive Secretary of the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC), Duncan Amoah, has backed the decision, arguing that transport operators have exercised restraint despite the growing financial pressures facing the industry.

“Let me start off by saying that the transport operators have been quite magnanimous with all of us. At this time, when fuel prices are already set to go up again on Monday, one could imagine that their operations could become unsustainable if they continue to charge the very old fares,” he told Citi News.

Mr Amoah noted that transport operators reduced fares when fuel prices declined and should be allowed to adjust them now that fuel costs have increased again.

He explained that several long-distance transport services had already revised their fares, making it increasingly difficult for GPRTU members to continue operating under the previous pricing structure.

Under the new arrangement, a journey that currently costs GH¢100 will rise to approximately GH¢120, while a GH¢10 fare will increase to about GH¢12.

Although he supports the increase, Mr Amoah indicated that he would have preferred a lower adjustment.

He said a 15 per cent increase would have been ideal but acknowledged that the additional five per cent may reflect rising insurance costs and the sharp increase in spare parts prices.

West Africa Director of CUTS International, Appiah Adomako Kusi, also defended the decision and urged government not to interfere.

“It will be unfair to ask the transport operators to halt their price increase when we allow NPA and fuel importers to increase prices upward every two weeks,” he said.

Mr Kusi described the fare review as a necessary response to prevailing economic conditions, stressing that transport operators must be able to recover their costs in order to remain viable.

The increase is expected to affect thousands of commuters nationwide as transport operators prepare to implement the new fares from Tuesday, June 2.