Transport operators and government officials are set for crucial talks today, Tuesday, July 28, as unions press for a proposed 30 percent increase in transport fares to offset rising operating costs.
The meeting between the transport unions and the Ministry of Transport comes amid growing concern over increasing fuel prices and the rising cost of vehicle spare parts, which operators say are placing significant financial pressure on the industry.
The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) says the outcome of the discussions will determine whether transport fares are adjusted in the coming days.
Deputy Public Relations Officer of the GPRTU, Samuel Amoah, explained that the unions would first listen to the government’s position before deciding on their next steps.
According to him, if the government is unable to introduce measures to address the rising cost of petroleum products, the unions will formally table their proposed 30 percent fare increase for negotiation.
He added that any agreement reached with the Ministry would be communicated to transport operators nationwide.
Meanwhile, the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) has urged the government to reintroduce its previous fuel price intervention, arguing that the measure had helped cushion consumers and transport operators during the peak of the Middle East crisis.
COPEC Executive Secretary Duncan Amoah noted that the earlier intervention reduced diesel prices by GH¢2 per litre and petrol prices by GH¢2.09 per litre after fuel costs surged.
With diesel prices once again approaching GH¢18 per litre, he warned that further increases could worsen the burden on commercial drivers, businesses and motorists.
He therefore appealed to the government to restore the temporary subsidy to help stabilise fuel prices and avert further pressure on transport fares.
The outcome of the meeting is expected to determine whether commuters should prepare for higher transport fares or whether fresh government intervention will ease the financial strain on transport operators.
