 has strongly rejected any move by transport operators to increase commercial fares by 20%, insisting there is no justification for such an adjustment.){kind=link}
The Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) has strongly rejected any move by transport operators to increase commercial fares by 20%, insisting there is no justification for such an adjustment.
In a statement, COPEC said its research and engagements with stakeholders, including the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and other driver unions, revealed that no official decision had been taken to raise fares.
“It is difficult to comprehend what matrices inform any such drastic upward reviews of public transport fares, as that affects largely the poor and already suffering masses,” the statement read.
According to COPEC, the main argument for the proposed increase, the recent GH₵1.00 per litre fuel levy, does not warrant passing extra costs to commuters. The Chamber noted that despite the levy, fuel prices remain significantly lower than in January 2025, when petrol sold for around GH₵15 per litre. Prices have since dropped to GH₵11–GH₵12 per litre, prompting some drivers to reduce fares by 15% earlier this year.
“On the balance of odds or numbers, the pricing levels as of today are still not anywhere near the January prices from which transport fare discussions could be had,” COPEC said, expressing surprise at attempts to justify a further increase.
The Chamber also dismissed arguments that the planned reintroduction of road tolls should influence fare adjustments, pointing out that the policy has not yet been enforced.
“It is imperative to note that an intention which has not yet been enforced cannot and should not form the basis of any increases in transport fares,” COPEC stressed.