The Head of Corporate Communications at the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), Sam Jerome, has called for calm and restraint following growing concerns over transport fare adjustments.
Speaking on Kessben FM’s Maakye morning show, Jerome acknowledged the frustrations of workers and the general public, noting that “everyone has the cause to complain about their displeasure at their workplace,” especially in the face of rising living costs.
He pointed to recent developments in fuel pricing as a key factor influencing transport fare increases.
According to him, although fuel prices have begun to rise, Ghanaians have enjoyed relatively stable and lower fuel costs over the past year.
Jerome emphasized that multiple global and economic factors determine fuel price increments and cautioned against misplaced blame.
“If we are not able to draw the lines well, we may end up blaming officials who are supposed to be applauded,” he stated.
He further argued that, despite recent increases, fuel prices have not yet reached the levels inherited by the current administration from the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) government.
Drawing comparisons, Jerome noted that the former administration attributed fuel price hikes to the Russia–Ukraine War. However, he said the current National Democratic Congress (NDC) government is managing the impact of multiple global tensions, including the Russia–Ukraine conflict and tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.
Despite these challenges, he maintained that fuel prices remain comparatively lower than previous peak levels.
Jerome concluded by appealing to transport operators to exercise restraint in adjusting fares, urging cooperation to ease the burden on commuters.
