Ministry rejects purported increase in transport fares

The Ministry of Transport has dismissed media publications of purported increase in transport fares by commercial road transport operators from Wednesday, January 24, 2024.
“We wish to inform the general public that there has not been any negotiation with the transport operators for a review of the transport fares,’’ a statement issued by the Public Relations Unit of the Ministry said.
“We, therefore, urge the public to disregard the purported increase.’’
“When it becomes necessary for such negotiations and the decisions are taken, the public will be appropriately informed, as has been done in the past.”
It said the Ministry would continue to ensure fair and reasonable public transport fares, keeping in mind the needs of transport operators and the public.
The GPRTU had cited excessive taxes on spare parts, leading to increased operational costs, as the reason for the proposed fare hike.
Additionally, they had threatened a 60% increase if the Emission Levy imposed from January 2024 was not reconsidered.
However, the Ministry emphasized that fare adjustments are typically negotiated collectively by the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council and the Ghana Private Road Transport Union.
The Ministry stated that no single union has the authority to unilaterally determine the percentage increase in fares.
Per existing regulations, if there is a fuel price increment of up to 10%, drivers are permitted to adjust transportation fares.
The Ministry assured the public that any decision on fare adjustments would be made in consideration of the needs of both transport operators and the general public.
This development highlights the ongoing complexities in the transportation sector, particularly concerning the economic factors influencing fare adjustments and the need for coordinated negotiations between relevant stakeholders.