“We Are No More Charging the 20% Increment” – Transport Operators Suspend Planned Fare Hike

Transport operators have officially suspended the proposed 20 percent increase in transport fares following discussions with the Ministry of Transport and recent government measures aimed at stabilizing fuel prices.

Speaking on Kessben TV’s Digest show after a meeting with key stakeholders in the transport sector, Mr Asonaba Wiredu, National Chairman for Commercial Transport Operators announced that the planned fare adjustment would no longer take effect, citing the government’s intervention through the removal of certain fuel levies and efforts to cushion the impact of rising fuel costs.

According to the leadership, the decision was reached after a productive engagement with the Minister of Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe and representatives from major transport organizations.

“We have suspended the increment due to the outcome of the meeting we had with the Minister of Transport,” Asonaba stated.

The operators explained that while fuel prices had increased in recent months and operational costs remain high, the government’s actions to stabilize fuel prices had influenced their decision to hold off on the fare adjustment.

“We have realized that fuel price hikes have caused transport fare increases in other jurisdictions, but the Government of Ghana has done well by stabilizing our costs. Therefore, we deem it prudent to suspend our proposed action to support the government’s move,” the statement noted.

They acknowledged that transport fares are not determined solely by fuel prices, stressing that other operational expenses have also risen. However, they said the current stability in fuel prices and government support measures justified maintaining existing fares.

The transport unions further confirmed that passengers would not be charged the proposed 20 percent increment.

“The decision taken is a well-respected one and we are pleased to abide by it, considering factors on both sides,” the leaders emphasized.

The meeting, described as a frank and constructive discussion, brought together representatives from the transport unions, the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), the Ghana Cooperative Transport Association (GCTA), and the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC).

Following the agreement, transport operators said they had begun communicating the decision through various media platforms and union channels nationwide to ensure compliance.

They also indicated that task forces would be deployed across the country to prevent drivers from implementing the suspended 20 percent fare increase.

The development is expected to bring relief to commuters who had expressed concerns over the potential impact of higher transport fares on the cost of living.