The Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association has disputed claims that rising spare parts costs are contributing to the proposed 20 per cent increase in public transport fares, insisting that prices within the sector have remained stable in recent months.
The Association’s position challenges one of the key reasons cited by the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and other commercial transport operators for the fare adjustment scheduled to take effect on June 2.
Speaking to Citi Business News, the Association’s Head of Communications, Takyi Addo, maintained that spare parts dealers have not implemented any price increases and that market conditions have remained favourable due to improvements in the exchange rate.
According to him, the recent stability of the Ghana cedi against major foreign currencies has eased pressure on importers and helped maintain steady prices across the spare parts market.
“Spare parts prices have not been increased at all. There is 100 per cent stability in the spare parts business. In fact, the stability of the cedi against the dollar has rather helped to keep prices stable,” he stated.
Mr. Addo argued that attributing the planned fare increase to higher spare parts costs does not reflect the current realities within the industry. He said traders have benefited from the relative calm in the foreign exchange market and have not experienced the kind of cost increases being suggested by transport operators.
While acknowledging that businesses continue to face challenges such as taxation and other operational expenses, he stressed that spare parts prices are currently not among the factors driving higher transport costs.
The Association also commended the government’s efforts to maintain relative currency stability, noting that the improved economic environment has positively impacted business operations for importers and traders.
Mr. Addo further urged transport operators to focus discussions on the actual cost pressures affecting their operations and engage government directly on those concerns rather than citing spare parts prices as justification for fare increases.
His comments come amid ongoing public debate over the planned nationwide fare adjustment, with transport operators arguing that rising fuel prices and maintenance costs have made a review of fares necessary to sustain their businesses.
The disagreement highlights differing views among industry stakeholders over the factors driving transportation costs and the justification for the proposed 20 per cent fare increase.
