The Nkwanta South branch of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) in the Oti Region has rejected the government's approved 8% increase in transport fares. Instead, they are calling for a 30% adjustment to reflect the rising costs of fuel, spare parts, and vehicle maintenance. This decision was made known by the Branch Chairman, Safianu Muniru, in an interview with Adom News.
According to Mr. Muniru, commercial drivers expected a higher increase to cushion them against the rising operational costs. The new fares, agreed upon by GPRTU and the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC), were set to take effect from Saturday, September 26, 2026. The adjustment follows consultations between the Ministry and commercial road transport operators held from September 8 to 22.
The Transport Ministry stated that the 8% decision was reached after considering changes in ex-pump prices of petroleum products, spare parts, vehicle maintenance, and other operational costs. They also took into account the financial difficulties facing drivers, commuters, and the traveling public. However, Mr. Muniru argues that the proposed 30% adjustment would offer greater relief to drivers and help improve their working conditions.
Some commercial drivers have backed the call for a 30% fare hike, urging further negotiations to reach a fare adjustment that takes into account the financial pressures facing drivers and vehicle owners. The drivers believe that the 8% increase is insufficient to address their concerns. The GPRTU's push for a higher fare adjustment has sparked a debate about the appropriate level of fare increase.
The Ministry's decision to approve an 8% fare increase was aimed at balancing the interests of drivers, commuters, and the traveling public. However, the Oti GPRTU's rejection of the proposal has raised questions about the effectiveness of the government's consultation process with commercial road transport operators. The issue is likely to continue to be a topic of discussion in the coming days.
The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and the government have a history of negotiating fare adjustments. The current dispute highlights the challenges of finding a balance between the interests of drivers, commuters, and the government. The Oti GPRTU's call for a 30% fare hike is a reflection of the drivers' concerns about their working conditions and financial sustainability.
The outcome of the negotiations between the Oti GPRTU and the government remains uncertain. The drivers are expected to continue pressing for a higher fare adjustment, while the government may need to consider the financial implications of a larger increase. The situation is being closely watched by commuters and other stakeholders who are affected by the transport fare adjustments.
Key points
- Oti GPRTU rejects government-approved 8% transport fare increase, seeks 30% hike.
- Commercial drivers cite rising fuel, spare-parts costs, and vehicle maintenance expenses as reasons for seeking higher fare adjustment.
- Government's 8% fare increase decision was based on consultations with commercial road transport operators.
