Associate Professor of Business Economics and Actuarial Science at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), Professor Abdullah Abdul-Mumuni, has emphasized the need for accuracy in implementing the proposed 8 percent increase in transport fares in Ghana. He stressed that the approved adjustment must not simply be rounded up to 10 percent. Speaking on Ahotor FM’s Adekyee Mu Nsem programme in Accra-Tema on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, Professor Abdul-Mumuni explained that the approved percentage increase must first be applied accurately to the existing fare.
According to Professor Abdul-Mumuni, if a passenger currently pays GH¢10 for a journey, an 8 percent increase would amount to GH¢0.80, resulting in a new fare of GH¢10.80. He stressed that the additional 80 pesewas represents the actual 8 percent adjustment and should not automatically be treated as a 10 percent increase simply because of difficulties associated with collecting smaller denominations. This, he noted, is crucial to prevent confusion and ensure fairness in the implementation of the fare increase.
Professor Abdul-Mumuni acknowledged that implementing the exact increase could present practical challenges for both transport operators and passengers. He noted that Ghana’s everyday transport system has difficulties dealing with small denominations such as 5, 10 and 20 pesewas, with such coins having become less significant in ordinary transactions. This creates a practical challenge when calculating and collecting transport fares.
The economist called for a clear distinction between the mathematical calculation of the approved fare increase and the practical arrangement for collecting the resulting fare. He stressed that policymakers and transport operators must not confuse the two issues, insisting that where an 8 percent adjustment has been approved, the calculation must first be based strictly on 8 percent before any practical collection arrangement is considered.
Professor Abdul-Mumuni also pointed to fuel prices and other external factors as important factors affecting the cost of operating commercial transport services. He said transport operators continue to face various operating costs, including expenditure on fuel, vehicle maintenance and other inputs needed to keep their businesses running. At the same time, he acknowledged the economic difficulties facing passengers.
The professor emphasized the need to strike a practical balance between the sustainability of transport operations and the ability of passengers to afford the fares. He cautioned against simply rounding up fare adjustments without considering the economic implications for passengers. According to him, an approved 8 percent increase should not automatically become 10 percent merely because the exact amount may be difficult to collect.
Professor Abdul-Mumuni stressed that accurate calculations and clear communication would help prevent disagreements between passengers and drivers over newly adjusted fares. He called for a practical implementation mechanism that respects the approved 8 percent increase while taking into account the difficulties associated with the use of very small denominations in Ghana’s transport system.
Key points
- Professor Abdullah Abdul-Mumuni calls for accurate implementation of 8% transport fare increase.
