The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has denied reports that its proposed 30% increase in transport fares has been put on hold. According to the union, negotiations with the Ministry of Transport are still ongoing, with no agreement reached to suspend the proposed adjustment. Deputy Public Relations Officer of the GPRTU, Samuel Amoah, stated that the two sides were still discussing the proposed increase at their last meeting on Friday, September 18.
The GPRTU's comments contradict an earlier statement by National Petroleum Authority (NPA) Chief Executive, Godwin Edudzi Tamakloe, who claimed that engagements with transport operators had helped put the planned fare increase "on ice." Mr. Tamakloe stated that government and transport operators were discussing ways to manage the impact of rising fuel prices and other operating costs without immediately passing the full burden on to commuters.
The GPRTU remains committed to its proposed 30% adjustment, but is prepared to negotiate. The union had indicated during Friday's meeting that any reduction from the proposed 30% would not take the figure below 25%. Mr. Amoah emphasized that the union had submitted a proposal for a fare review to the Ministry of Transport, with a joint team tasked with reviewing the various cost inputs before a final decision is taken.
The proposed fare hike is attributed to rising fuel prices, spare parts, insurance, and vehicle maintenance costs. The NPA recently raised the price floor for petrol and diesel from September 16, setting the floors at GH¢16 per litre for petrol and GH¢16.77 for diesel. Some Oil Marketing Companies subsequently adjusted their pump prices, further compounding the pressures faced by commercial transport operators.
The GPRTU and the Ministry of Transport are expected to resume discussions on Tuesday, September 22. The parties had agreed to postpone their meeting due to Monday, September 21, being a public holiday. Mr. Amoah stated that the outcome of the engagement will determine whether the proposed adjustment is maintained, reduced, or otherwise revised.
Meanwhile, the GPRTU has directed its members not to participate in a sit-down strike announced by the Progressive Transport Owners Association (PROTOA) over the rising cost of vehicle maintenance. The directive comes amid broader concerns among commercial transport operators about the cost of keeping vehicles on the road. For now, the GPRTU's proposed fare adjustment remains subject to negotiations with government, with no new fare officially approved.
The negotiations between the GPRTU and the Ministry of Transport will have significant implications for commuters and transport operators alike. With rising fuel prices and operating costs, transport operators are under pressure to adjust their fares. However, any increase in fares could have a ripple effect on the economy, particularly for low-income households that rely heavily on public transportation.
Key points
- The proposed 30% transport fare hike remains under negotiation between the GPRTU and the Ministry of Transport.
- The GPRTU has rejected claims of suspending the proposed fare hike, citing ongoing negotiations with government.
- The outcome of the negotiations will determine whether the proposed adjustment is maintained, reduced, or otherwise revised.
