As ordinary Ghanaians grapple with high living costs and stagnant incomes, the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) has cautioned against a looming 20% increase in public transport fares, describing it as an unfair blow to already struggling citizens.
The proposed increment, rumoured to take effect from Friday, August 8, 2025, has sparked widespread concern. In a statement issued on Tuesday, August 5, COPEC questioned the rationale behind the move and urged transport authorities to consider the implications for vulnerable commuters.
“Burdening the Poor for No Just Cause”
COPEC argues that the timing and justification for the fare adjustment are deeply flawed, especially as fuel prices have dropped in recent months.
“At a time when fuel has fallen from GH¢15 per litre in January to between GH¢11 and GH¢12, any significant increase in fares defies logic and disproportionately affects the poor,” the statement read.
Executive Secretary Duncan Amoah stressed that decisions impacting the cost of essential services such as transportation must be anchored in evidence and public interest—not fear of future levies or speculative costs.
GH¢1 Fuel Levy: A Weak Argument
While acknowledging government plans to introduce a GH¢1 fuel levy, COPEC insists this cannot be used as pretext for fare hikes that have yet to be negotiated or approved by key stakeholders.
“An intention which has not yet been enforced cannot and should not form the basis of any increment in transport fares,” Amoah stated.
The chamber also pointed out that the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC)’s suggestion of an imminent increase is misleading, as major transport unions like the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) have not endorsed the move.
Public Discontent Rising
For many commuters, public transportation is not just a convenience but a lifeline. A sudden 20% hike in fares would place an even heavier burden on families already struggling with inflation, food price spikes, and other economic pressures.
“This is not just a technical debate about fuel and levies. It’s about human lives, daily survival, and the ripple effect on everything from market prices to school attendance,” said a commuter interviewed at a Kaneshie bus terminal.
Stability in Fuel and Spare Parts Prices
COPEC further challenged transport operators pushing for the increase, arguing that the current stability in spare parts pricing and fuel costs does not support any fare revision. In fact, in some regions, drivers have voluntarily reduced fares by as much as 15%.
The group also raised a red flag over plans to reintroduce road tolls, which could compound costs for drivers and passengers alike.
Call for Broader Engagement
COPEC is calling for comprehensive consultations involving consumer groups, unions, and government agencies before any fare adjustments are implemented. It insists that knee-jerk decisions made without public input could exacerbate the economic hardships many Ghanaians already face.
The chamber concluded by applauding GPRTU for reportedly rejecting any fare hikes at this time and urged other stakeholders to adopt a more measured and humane approach.
