Abossey Okai Association refutes claims of rising cost of spare parts

The Head of Communications at the Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association ,Takyi Addo, has rejected claims by commercial transport operators that rising spare parts prices are among the reasons for a planned 20 per cent increase in transport fares from June 2, 2026.

According to him, prices in the spare parts market have remained stable in recent months, following assertions by the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and other transport operators that rising maintenance costs justify the proposed fare adjustment.

The comments come at a time when sections of commercial transport operators are proposing a 20 per cent increase in transport fares effective June 2, citing rising operational costs, including fuel and vehicle maintenance expenses.

Speaking on Channel One on Monday, June 1, 2026, he maintained that there has been no upward review in spare parts prices.

“Spare parts prices have not been increased at all. There is 100% stability in the spare parts business. In fact, the stability of the cedi against the dollar has rather helped to keep prices stable,” he said.

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Takyi Addo further commended the government's management of the economy and exchange rate, noting that the cedi's stability over the past month has positively impacted business activities within the spare parts sector.

He noted that although traders continue to advocate for lower taxes and a reduction in other operational costs affecting the industry, current market conditions do not support claims of rising spare parts prices.

“If you ask me as the Head of Communications for the Association, there is no increment in spare parts prices. We have stability in the market, and everything is okay now compared to previous periods,” he stressed.

He further explained that recent gains made by the local currency and the relative calm in the foreign exchange market have reduced pressure on importers and traders, making suggestions of widespread price hikes inaccurate.

“We disagree with the transport operators. They should not say they are increasing fares by 20 per cent because spare parts prices have gone up. That is simply not true. Traders are happy with the current trend in the market,” he stated.

The Association also urged transport operators to engage the government directly on concerns relating to operational costs rather than attributing the planned fare increment to spare parts prices.

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