The National Chairman of the Concerned Drivers Association, Paa Willie, has rejected a proposed 20 per cent increase in transport fares on the Kasoa–Cape Coast route by the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and the Commercial Transport Operators Association of Ghana.
The two transport unions are advocating for the fare adjustment, citing the deplorable condition of the Kasoa–Cape Coast road and the rising cost of operating commercial vehicles along the route.
According to the operators, deteriorating sections of the road have significantly increased expenses related to vehicle maintenance, fuel consumption, spare parts, and repairs. They argue that drivers are spending more on suspension systems, tyres, engine components, and other mechanical work due to potholes and the rough state of the road.
The operators further contend that the poor condition of the road has led to longer travel times and delays, making it difficult for drivers to complete enough trips each day to earn a reasonable income.
They believe the proposed fare increment would help offset these rising operational costs while work on the road project continues.
However, Paa Willie said the Concerned Drivers Association was not consulted and does not support any unilateral increase in transport fares.
He argued that fare adjustments should not be determined by individual unions or transport stations without broader consultations involving transport operators, the Ministry of Transport, and the government.
“We do not agree with the increment. When the issue of fares at Amasaman came up, we did not agree with it either. If drivers are allowed to increase fares because roads are bad, then drivers across the country will begin charging different fares based on the condition of their roads,” he said.
Paa Willie warned that allowing separate transport unions to implement their own fare structures could create confusion for commuters and result in varying charges for similar routes.
He added that passengers are already grappling with the high cost of living and should not be subjected to additional financial burdens without a proper national discussion on the matter.
He therefore appealed to the GPRTU, the Commercial Transport Operators Association of Ghana, and other transport stakeholders to suspend the proposed 20 per cent fare increase and engage in dialogue.
“We are pleading with our other transport agencies to cease fire. This is not the time to increase fares. We must meet and discuss the issue properly,” he stated.
Paa Willie urged transport unions to channel their concerns to the government and demand urgent intervention on the Kasoa–Cape Coast road rather than transferring the burden to commuters.
While acknowledging that several road projects are currently underway across the country, he said the government must provide a clear timeline for the completion of the Kasoa–Cape Coast road and ensure contractors work diligently to reduce the hardships faced by both drivers and passengers.
He also called for improved traffic management measures and immediate repairs to the most damaged sections of the road while construction continues, in order to reduce vehicle damage and ease congestion.
Paa Willie further noted that fuel prices are expected to decline in the next pricing window, questioning the rationale behind increasing transport fares at this time.
“With fuel prices expected to go down in the next pricing window, I do not see why we have to increase transport fares,” he stated.
He has therefore called on the Minister for Transport to urgently convene a meeting with all transport unions, including the GPRTU, the Commercial Transport Operators Association of Ghana, and the Concerned Drivers Association, to discuss the poor road conditions, operational challenges, and possible solutions.
According to him, any decision affecting transport fares should be taken collectively to ensure fairness and protect the interests of both drivers and commuters.
Paa Willie made the remarks during an interview on Ahotor FM’s Adekyee Mu Nsem programme with Citizen Kofi Owusu in Accra on Wednesday, June 25, 2026.
Story by Stephen Kwaku Owusu Mintah
