The Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) has strongly rejected the 20% increase in public transport fares announced by the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC), describing the move as unjustifiable and a potential blow to already burdened Ghanaians.
According to COPEC, the decision comes at a time when fuel prices are significantly lower than earlier in the year, and no formal consensus has been reached among major transport unions regarding any such hike.
“Our checks with various transport unions, including the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and other driver associations, indicate no such decision has been taken,” said Duncan Amoah, Executive Secretary of COPEC, in a statement issued on Tuesday, August 5.
He questioned the basis for the GRTCC’s announcement, asking:
“It is difficult to comprehend what matrices inform any such drastic upward reviews of public transport fares, as that affects largely the poor and already suffering masses.”
COPEC Challenges Justification for Fare Hike
COPEC further argued that current fuel prices do not support any fare increases. The group cited that fuel, which was sold at around GHS 15 per litre in January 2025, has since dropped to between GHS 11 and GHS 12 per litre—a significant enough decline that had prompted a 15% fare reduction by some transport unions in May.
“On the balance of odds or numbers, pricing levels today are still not anywhere near the January prices from which fare hike discussions could be had,” the statement read.
“Such is our surprise at the attempts by a section of transport operators to justify a further increase at this time.”
COPEC dismissed the reasons offered by the GRTCC, which include rising costs of vehicle maintenance due to deteriorating roads, the introduction of the GH¢1.00 per litre fuel levy, and the failure of spare part prices to reduce in line with earlier fare cuts.
“While these concerns may hold some truth, they cannot and should not be used as justification to punish the suffering Ghanaian,” Amoah stated.
“The impact of the ‘One Ghana’ fuel levy has been cushioned by months of sustained reductions at the pumps.”
Previous Fare Reductions Largely Ignored
In May 2025, a 15% fare reduction was announced by the GPRTU and other commercial transport operators, following the appreciation of the Ghana cedi and falling fuel prices. However, COPEC noted that many drivers failed to comply, and enforcement by local assemblies was inconsistent at best.
The group is now calling on the GRTCC to halt the fare hike and engage in broader stakeholder consultations.
“An unenforced intention cannot and should not be used as the basis for raising transport fares. The cost implications will ripple through the economy—affecting traders, students, public workers, and the average Ghanaian who is already struggling,” COPEC warned.
GRTCC Defends Its Decision
The Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council, however, maintains that the 20% fare increment, effective Friday, August 8, 2025, is necessary to offset operational costs.
In a statement jointly signed by Emmanuel Ohene-Yeboah (General Secretary) and Alhaji Tanko (Acting National Chairman), the GRTCC argued that the price of fuel has risen by an estimated 8% following the new levy, while the cost of spare parts and maintenance continues to climb.
“Despite the implementation of a 15% fare reduction on May 21, 2025, the prices of goods, services, and vehicle maintenance have not reduced accordingly,” the statement read.
The new fares will affect all categories of commercial transport, including taxis, intra-city trotro services, long-distance buses, and cargo haulage. Transport operators have been directed to post the new fare list at all terminals, and commuters are being urged to cooperate with implementation.
Enock Akonnor is an experienced Ghanaian journalist, based in Kumasi and currently serves as the CEO and Managing Editor of www.leakyghana.com.
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