In a statement issued on October 8, 2025, the Union clarified that its earlier appeal to the government was aimed solely at ensuring stability in fuel prices, not announcing a fare adjustment.

According to the statement, the GPRTU acknowledged that any fare increment has widespread effects on the economy and emphasized that it has no immediate plans to raise fares.

“We wish to appeal to the government for stability in fuel prices in this last quarter of the year. We also call on the general public to remain calm and for drivers and commuters to maintain existing fares,” the statement read.

The GPRTU reiterated its commitment to serving both the government and the people of Ghana, assuring stakeholders that any future decisions regarding transport fares would be communicated transparently.

Source: AdomOnline

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In a statement, the Association’s chairman, Henry Okyere Jnr, refuted the allegations, stating that spare parts prices have remained stable, with no changes in import duties or market conditions to justify such claims.

“The assertion that spare parts costs are driving fare hikes is false and misleading,” Okyere Jnr said, urging the public to disregard the claims.

He emphasized that stock levels remain steady and that essential vehicle components, including engine oil and filters, have not seen any price changes.

The Association called on the Alliance of Drivers – Ghana to base fare adjustments on factual economic indicators rather than misinformation.

It also urged transport stakeholders to engage in transparent discussions with government regulators to ensure fairness in fare pricing.

The Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association reassured the public of its commitment to transparency in the industry and cautioned against misleading narratives affecting transportation costs.

Press Statement

March 16, 2025
Disregard False Claims Linking Spare Parts Prices to Fare Increases

The Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association categorically refutes claims by the Alliance of Drivers – Ghana, alleging that rising spare parts prices are a contributing factor to their announced 20% increase in lorry fares, effective March 17, 2025.

This claim is false, misleading, and should be disregarded by the public.

The Chairman of the Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association and President of the Ghana Auto Parts Dealers Association, Henry Okyere Jnr, emphasizes that there has been no increase in the prices of spare parts.

There have been no changes in import duties or market conditions that could justify the assertion that spare parts costs are driving transportation fare hikes.

The new government remains committed to supporting the spare parts industry.

Stock levels are stable, and the prices of essential vehicle components, including engine oil and filters, have remained unchanged.

Therefore, any attempt to attribute fare increases to rising spare parts costs is unwarranted and an effort to mislead the Ghanaian public.

We urge the Alliance of Drivers – Ghana to ensure that any adjustments to transportation fares are based on factual economic indicators and not unfounded allegations.

Fare increases should be discussed transparently with all relevant stakeholders, including government regulators and transport unions, to ensure fairness and accuracy.

The Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association calls on the general public and transport users to disregard these false claims.

We remain committed to ensuring transparency and truthfulness in matters affecting the transportation and spare parts industries.

Signed:
Director of Communications

The proposed fare hike was due to rising fuel costs and other essentials like spare parts.

However, the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) advised commuters to disregard the announcement.

In an interview with Citi News, the Public Relations Officer of the Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana, David Agboado, explained that the timing of the fare increase would exacerbate the plight of Ghanaians hence the suspension.

“We the transport operators have sat together and do our own thing. We have come to the understanding that things have been increased…fuel, spare parts and everything is up but this is not the time that we should increase the transport fare that is why we have come together to say we won’t increase it again.

“If you ask me, transport fares will not be going up because we the transporters have understood ourselves,” he stated.

Mr Agboado urged commercial drivers to maintain current fares until a more suitable time for an increase.

“What I will tell my fellow drivers is that they should exercise patience. It is we that increased. They have appointed us to do that and we are doing that in their interest. This one too is in their interest and we are doing it so they should exercise patience. They shouldn’t get angry. The right time will come,” he said.

In a statement, the Association announced a 15% increase in transport fares, effective Monday, July 22.

While the GPRTU acknowledges the rising prices of petroleum products and their significant impact on transportation costs, it said fares can only be increased after proper stakeholder engagement, which has not yet happened.

The GPRTU has therefore directed commercial transport operators to adhere to the current fares.

“We are not coming out with an increment. We are saying no, it is not just any ordinary increment in fuel which attracts fare adjustment. We recently increased lorry fares so we haven’t gotten there. It is unfortunate, for those who came out with that publication,” the Industrial Relations Officer for GPRTU, Abass Imoro told Citi News.

‘We know what is happening but we have to go by the laid down system before any increment is done. So the public should disregard the press release by those people who said fares will be increased” he stated.

Regarding potential public unrest between passengers and drivers, Abass Imoro expressed hope that the announcement of the fare increase would be retracted before Monday.

“I will be surprised if drivers have increased the fares and are charging. We strongly believe they will retract it even before Monday,” he added.

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The Council’s General Secretary, Emmanuel Ohene Yeboah says that the criteria for adjusting transport fares include a 10% increase in fuel prices from the previous pricing window and a continuous rise in spare parts—conditions that have not been met.

He criticised the Association for not consulting with the GRTCC.

“We have a standing rule that fare adjustments are based on a 10% increase in fuel prices from our last adjustment. Currently, the data does not support any fare increase. It appears that they are trying to create disruptions without proper engagement.

“We are open to discussions if they seek clarification, but their actions cannot dictate the terms for the majority of the industry, represented by the GPRTU and GRTCC, which account for 95-98% of operations.”

In response, the Concerned Drivers Association has stated that they will not engage with the GRTCC or the Transport Ministry about their proposed fare increase.

The Association’s PRO, David Agboado, told The Pulse on JoyNews that fuel prices have risen by more than 11% since the last pricing window.

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This decision is backed by deep concerns regarding the recent fuel price increases.

The Ejisu Municipal Vice-Chairman of the local union, Michael Fosu, says they have received no meaningful response despite numerous attempts to communicate their challenges and engage with relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Transport.

“We have sent letters to transport operator leaders and local government representatives but are yet to receive a satisfactory resolution. Despite our attempts to engage with relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Transport, we have been met with silence and threats of legal repercussions if we adjust our fares independently,” he said. 

Fuel prices have surged by 7 cedis since February. Petrol now sells at 14.99 per liter while Diesel is pegged at 14.70 per liter.

This soaring prices is squeezing profit margins of commercial drivers. 

Michael emphasized the severe impact and their inability to cover basic expenses due to the fuel price increment. 

“The recent increase in fuel prices has significantly impacted our income, as a substantial portion is now diverted towards fuel expenses on a daily basis. Maintaining our vehicles has become increasingly challenging due to financial constraints. Amidst rising costs across the board, managing a household and supporting our family has become an even greater struggle,” he mentioned. 

Michael also expressed concern about the potential impact of their strike on passengers.

However, he believes that by taking this action, passengers will better understand the challenges they face and empathize with them, which can ultimately lead to increased pressure on the government to find a resolution.

“If we opt to cease our operations, it will undoubtedly impact our passengers who rely on our services for their transportation requirements. By taking this collective action, we believe our passengers will emphasize with our plight and join us in urging the government to find a better solution, as they too will feel the repercussions of any disruption in transportation services,” he highlighted. 

According to Michael Fosu, the drivers are willing to adjust fares in line with fuel price fluctuation but require clear communication and cooperation from the government. 

” If the government reduces fuel prices, we will gladly reduce transportation fares to alleviate the burden on passengers but if fuel prices continue to rise unchecked, we will have no choice than to raise fares to cover our costs,” he asserted. 

The drivers are therefore calling on the government to engage in a meaningful dialogue with them for a better resolution.

COPEC argues that the Ministry lacks the authority to regulate transport fares in a deregulated market.

In response to concerns raised by drivers about the need to increase fares due to rising fuel prices, the Ministry issued a directive on Monday, April 15, instructing the Ghana Police Service to monitor and apprehend commercial drivers who charge fares exceeding the approved rates.

This directive, outlined in a statement released by the Ministry’s Public Relations Unit in Accra on Sunday, April 14, reflects the Ministry’s attempt to address the issue of fare hikes.

The Ministry stated that negotiations for new public transport fares are currently ongoing with Road Transport Operators.

However, COPEC’s Executive Secretary, Duncan Amoah, disputes the Ministry’s authority in this matter, arguing that it cannot compel transport unions to adhere to its directive.

Mr Amoah contends that the Ministry has failed to address the underlying factors contributing to the alleged fare increases, making its directive ineffective and inappropriate.

“The Transport Ministry has no basis in law to determine transport fares, especially in a deregulated market like we have, where the cost of fare is passed on and not regulated by government. The cost of insurance is simply added on year in, and year out.

“The cost of fuel goes up at will. As and when the dollar goes up, as and when international markets go up, as and when taxes go up, your fuel prices are rising.”

“Why is the Transport Ministry in all of these discussions? And so we think that the Transport Ministry should not arrogate onto itself constitutional powers that it does not have at present to even call for the arrest of a driver or drivers simply because they are trying to recover costs of their operation.

“I am not suggesting the drivers should just go ahead and charge too much, but if there is a need for them to go up in transport fare, so be it.”

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The meeting of Mr Krobea who doubles as Assemblyman of Akoasi Ahenbronum Electoral Area also brought together the Unit Committee and the Chief Inspector in charge of the Akoasi Police Station.

This comes on the back of a directive from the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council and the GPRTU of TUC last Friday.

In a statement, Mr Krobea announced the stakeholder engagement was to help decide favourable reductions to ease the burden on passengers.

“Considering the distance from Nkawkaw to Akoasi (19.5 km) and that of Akoasi to Abirem, and juxtaposing with the new fares chart issued by the GPRTU and the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council, it was resolved that all taxis from Nkawkaw to Akoasi and from Akoasi to Abirem must charge GHC9.00.

“Per the calculations, it was supposed to be GHC8.50, but due to the difficulty in getting 0.50P change, it was agreed to be adjusted or pegged at GHC9.00,” the statement read in parts.

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This proactive measure was taken to prevent any unpleasant occurrences between drivers and the travelling public.

The statement has, therefore, directed all drivers and passengers to strictly comply with the agreed fares to help prevent any unpleasant situations.

He further expressed appreciation to the leadership of the various driver unions at Akoasi, the Chief Inspector in charge of the Akoasi Police Station and the Unit Committee of Akoasi for attending the meeting.

The union last suspended its decision to increase fares by 15%.

The suspension, according to the GPRTU, was to get reliable information on the government’s reduction of fuel prices.

On April 1, the government reduced fuel prices by 15 pesewas per litre for three months.

This was disclosed by the Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, on March 24, 2022, while announcing measures put in place by the government to cushion Ghanaians against current economic shocks.

But speaking to Citi News, Head of Communications for GPRTU, Abass Imoro, maintained that the 15 pesewas reduction in fuel prices is not enough, hence the union’s decision to increase fares.

“The leadership of GPRTU will meet tomorrow [Tuesday] and come up with the final decision. We’ll make an announcement on how much we will be charging. There is no hope with the 15 pesewas reduction, so we will be coming up with a credible percentage,” he said.

The GPRTU has tried to engage the government over a proposal to increase transport fares by 20%.

Transport fares were increased by 15 percent in February when fuel prices averaged GH¢6.4 per litre.

A litre of fuel now sells for GH¢10.00 after crossing the GHS 8 per litre mark in the first week of March 2022.

The union argues that the move has become necessary due to the increase in the prices of petroleum products.

Both commercial and private drivers, as well as other stakeholders, have urged the government to scrap some taxes on fuel to cushion consumers.

According to the Union, the decision will be finalised after it engages government on its proposal.

The Union argues that the adjustment has become necessary following the significant increase in fuel prices.

Speaking on Accra-based Citi News, the General Secretary of the GPRTU, Godfred Abulbire, said the outcome of the negotiations would determine the increase in transport fares.

“It will remain until our talks with the Ministry are done. Then, we would have to go through the same process of sending a letter, and then go on to the round table discussion; then we would consider how to help cushion our members better,” he said.

In February, transport fares were increased by 15% instead of 30% after several calls.

Since a litre of petrol now sells at ¢10, the GPRTU is asking that they should be allowed to increase fares again to cushion their members in these challenging times.

Fuel prices have gone up 27% since January 1, 2022

A report from IES Research Analysts showed that fuel prices at the pumps have already witnessed a net increase of ¢1.8 per litre (27%) for both petrol and diesel since the start of the year and for five consecutive Pricing-windows.

Referenced to March 2021, the report also revealed that the price of petrol and diesel has surged by roughly ¢3.33 per litre, suggesting a 65% increment.

While petrol cost per litre in Ghana has surged by about 65% between March 2021 and March 2022, Kenya, South Africa, and Egypt have recorded price jumps of approximately 14%, 34%, and 26%, respectively within the same period.

The IES said the differences in prices across the listed countries are due to the interventions of respective governments to the rising international oil prices and the extent to which local currencies are managed against the US dollar.

According to the unions, the increment follows a 3% increase in fuel prices due to which a gallon of fuel sold for GHC 27.22 p will now be sold for GHC 28.035p.

A statement signed by the Chairman of the Ghana Committed Drivers Association, Charles Danso, said “the resolve to adjust upward our lorry fares is in fulfillment of our statement issued on 16th May 2021, in which we announced 20% upward adjustment in lorry fares,” parts of the statement read.

They had earlier hinted of fare increment any time fuel prices, spare parts, and other levies relating to road transport go up.

“It is our considered view that we will only go by the decision to increase lorry fares twice yearly if the powers that be can also ensure that prices of petroleum products and spare parts are not increased in the course of every year so as to guarantee stable prices and lorry fares.

“As we speak, the government is making frantic efforts to increase road tolls and transport operators are going to bear the brunt should it be implemented,” the statement added.

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The new prices affect all forms of transport – trotro, long-distance vehicles and shared taxis.

In a press statement, the Ghana Private Roads Transport Union (GPRTU) revealed that the increase is to accommodate the increase in fuel prices announced in May 2021, after long negotiations with stakeholders.

“Upon consultations, government has assured us that it will continue with efforts to prevent a steep rise in input cost.

“Government has also assured us by a letter from the Ministry of Finance that the suspension of the quarterly income tax paid by owners of trotros and taxis will be extended to cover intercity commuter vehicles to reduce the operational cost. We, therefore, encourage government to keep to its commitment in this regard,” it said.

This comes after prices at the pumps in Ghana shot up by 12% due to the introduction of some taxes, increases in margins by the National Petroleum Authority, the industry, and price increases on the international market.

Following agitations by citizens, the National Petroleum Authority rescinded its decision to increase the fuel margin by 17 pesewas per litre.

In a communique dated May 4, the NPA revealed that “the 17 pesewas per litre increase in fuel margins previously announced by the NPA has been reduced to 9 pesewas per litre.”

Subsequently, the GPRTU said they were in discussions with the government about the increase in transport fares and urged Ghanaians to expect a 10 to 15 percent increase.

In the press release, they urged transport operators to stick to the proposed increase.

“We request members, commuters and the general public to kindly cooperate for the successful implementation of the new fares,” it added.

This will still be in force while leadership of the Road Transport Operators continue its engagement with government to determine new fares following the introduction of new taxes on petroleum products.

The taskforce is made up of personnel from the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC), PROTOA and the Ghana Private Roads Transport Union (GPRTU) of TUC among others.

They will be working in collaboration with the security agencies to visit the various bus terminals in the country to ensure compliance with existing transport fares.

The formation of the taskforce was spurred by the recent announcement of a 20% increment in transport fares by some commercial road transport operators including the Truth Drivers Union, Concern Drivers Association and some others without recourse to the law and laid down principles.

Government, GPRTU, PROTOA, GRTCC and other recognised road transport operators have described the move as illegal and urged the general public to disregard the purported increase in transport fares since they are still at the negotiation table to determine new transport fares that will be acceptable by all.

In a joint statement signed by the General Secretaries of the GPRTU of TUC, Ghana and GRTCC, Godfred Abulbire and Emmanuel Ohene Yeboah, and released in Accra on Tuesday, May 18, 2021, the Road Transport Operators urged all its members not to engage in illegality by charging unapproved transport fares.

The statement also urged all Metropolitan, Municipal and District Administrations to ensure strict compliance with the existing fares.

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“We wish to inform our members that we have not rested on our oars but have been in series of negotiations with stakeholders to determine an appropriate adjustment in the transport fares. When negotiations are concluded, we will inform members and the general public accordingly,” the statement in part read.

It added: “We are, therefore, by this statement, entreating all our members not to engage in the illegality. The taskforce will visit the various terminals to check compliance with this directive.”

The expected fares increment was announced by Members of the National Drivers Association of Ghana.

According to the Association, the decision was informed by the increment of some taxes at the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) and the ports.

“As we speak, the service charge at DVLA has been increased to 15 percent, tariffs on spare parts increased to 40 percent, tariffs on Lubricants increased by 25 percent.”

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“Due to the rapid increase of these services, we are calling on all Ghanaians to comply with the introduction of the new fare coming Monday.”

“We also ask all drivers to ensure passengers put on nose masks before they enter in their vehicles, together we can conquer COVID-19,” read parts of the statement issued by the Association on Monday, February 15.

A joint statement, signed by the National Chairman of GPRTU, Kwame Kuma and Mr John Benyawa, National Chairman of GRTCC, said the increase covers intra-city travel, intercity travel and taxi cabs.

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“The increase is to accommodate predominantly an increase in fuel prices,” it added.

“Members are to comply with the new fare and post the fare list at the terminals so as to avoid any confrontation with travelling public,” the statement further noted.

Below is full statement:

Source: Adomonline.com

This follows an announcement by two transport unions, the True Drivers Union and Concerned Drivers Union, of a 10 per cent increment in transport fares with effect from today.

The increase, according to the groups, is due to the rising cost of fuel and its impact on the transport business.

But the National Chairman of the GPRTU, Mr Kwame Kumah says the Union has not sanctioned the increment.

He noted, however, that the Union is in talks with the Transport Ministry and other stakeholders on a possible increase and that a decision is yet to be arrived at.