BY Nadia Ntiamoah
As debate intensifies over the planned 20 percent increase in public transport fares across Ghana, the West Africa Director of CUTS International, Appiah Kusi Adomako, has urged the government to allow transport operators to implement the adjustment, arguing that rising operational costs have made the increase economically justifiable.
His intervention comes ahead of a scheduled meeting between the Ministry of Transport and transport unions on Monday, June 1, 2026, where discussions are expected to focus on the nationwide fare increment announced by the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and the Commercial Transport Operators of Ghana.
The transport unions have indicated that the new fares will take effect from Tuesday, June 2, 2026, citing persistent increases in fuel prices, vehicle maintenance expenses, and the cost of spare parts as the primary reasons behind the adjustment.
Speaking on Channel One News on Saturday, May 30, Adomako argued that it would be unfair for authorities to prevent transport operators from adjusting fares while fuel prices continue to rise under the existing petroleum pricing regime.
According to him, commercial transport operators have endured continuous increases in fuel costs over the past months, with prices often reviewed upward every two weeks. He noted that many transport businesses are struggling to absorb the rising costs while maintaining current fare levels.
“I think it will be unfair to ask the transport operators to halt their price increase when we allow the National Petroleum Authority and fuel importers to increase prices regularly. It will be very unfair to those who have invested in that particular business,” he stated.
Adomako explained that unlike state-supported transport services, most commercial transport operators rely solely on fare revenues to meet operational expenses, service loans, maintain vehicles, and generate income. Preventing them from adjusting fares, he argued, could threaten the sustainability of their businesses.
The comments add a consumer advocacy perspective to an issue that has traditionally sparked tension between transport operators, government regulators, and commuters. Public transport fare increases often trigger concerns among workers, traders, students, and other passengers who depend heavily on commercial transport for their daily activities.
However, he maintained that fare adjustments must be viewed within the broader context of economic realities. He stressed that transport operators are responding to genuine market pressures rather than imposing arbitrary charges on passengers.
The GPRTU and Commercial Transport Operators of Ghana recently announced the 20 percent fare increase after citing escalating fuel prices and the rising cost of critical vehicle components, including tyres, batteries, lubricants, engine parts, and other spare parts.
The operators have argued that the increases in operating costs have significantly reduced profit margins and made it increasingly difficult for vehicle owners and drivers to remain in business.
As part of the implementation process, transport unions have indicated that updated fare charts will be displayed at major lorry stations nationwide to guide commuters and ensure transparency. They have also warned drivers and transport mates against charging fares above the approved rates.
Meanwhile, the transport unions have renewed calls for government intervention to stabilize fuel prices and reduce taxes on imported vehicle spare parts.
According to them, such measures would help ease the burden on both transport operators and passengers while promoting affordable and reliable transportation services.
