The Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association has challenged the justification for the proposed 30% increase in transport fares, insisting that spare parts prices have not risen enough to warrant the adjustment.
The Association has therefore rejected claims by the Ghana Road and Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC) and the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) that increases in vehicle spare parts costs are among the factors driving the proposed fare hike.
In a statement, the dealers described the claim as false and misleading, arguing that there has been no general increase in spare parts prices at the Abossey Okai commercial hub.
According to the Association, there have also been no significant changes in import duties or market conditions that could support the assertion that rising spare parts costs are responsible for higher transport fares.
It said stock levels at Abossey Okai remain stable, while prices of essential vehicle components, including engine oil and filters, have also remained unchanged.
The Association further questioned the basis for linking the proposed fare increase to prices at Abossey Okai, noting that some commercial transport operators have themselves stated that they source spare parts online rather than purchasing them from dealers at the hub.
It argued that this admission makes it difficult to establish a direct connection between spare parts sold at Abossey Okai and the proposed increase in lorry fares.
The dealers accused commercial transport operators of using fare adjustments to put pressure on government and impose additional financial burdens on ordinary Ghanaians.
The Association called on transport operators to base any fare adjustments on verifiable economic indicators rather than what it described as unfounded claims about spare parts prices.
It also appealed for greater transparency in discussions over transport fares, urging government regulators, transport unions and other relevant stakeholders to participate in the process.
According to the Association, broader stakeholder engagement would help ensure that any adjustment reflects actual operating costs and prevailing economic conditions.
The dealers said government remains committed to supporting Ghana’s spare parts industry and urged the public to disregard claims that rising prices at Abossey Okai are responsible for the proposed 30% transport fare increase.
The Association reaffirmed its commitment to promoting transparency and accurate information within Ghana’s automotive and transportation sectors.
