Reconsider proposed 30% transport fare increase – COPEC urges GPRTU

The Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) has appealed to the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) to reconsider its proposed 30% increase in transport fares, cautioning that the move could worsen the financial pressure on passengers.

COPEC Executive Secretary Duncan Amoah acknowledged that transport operators have reasons to demand higher fares due to increased fuel prices and rising operational expenses.

However, he argued that the proposed adjustment is too steep and should be revised.

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Speaking on Citi Eyewitness News on Monday, July 27, 2026, he said the return of fuel prices to previous levels gives operators some justification to seek a review of fares.

He explained that before the current administration came into office, petrol and diesel prices averaged about GH¢14.49 per litre, with petrol now selling around the same range.

He also pointed to an earlier reduction in transport fares, recalling that COPEC appealed to commercial drivers in August 2025 to reduce fares after fuel prices dropped.

He said many operators responded by cutting fares by about 15%.

He argued that since fuel prices have risen again, some increase in fares may be necessary, but a 30% adjustment would be too much for commuters to absorb.

“So when you get back to those levels as they are, then you can justifiably say GPRTU will come back to say they want an increment. But the 30 percent, I think they should look at it again and not punish Ghanaians,” he said.

He then proposed a fare increase within the range of 15% to 20%, depending on whether the government introduces measures to ease costs in the transport sector.

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Meanwhile, the GPRTU has maintained that the 30% figure is only a starting point for negotiations.

The union says higher fuel prices, expensive spare parts, insurance costs and other operational challenges are behind its request for a fare adjustment.

DR/SA