The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has issued a strong warning to the Ministry of Transport to, as a matter of urgency, direct the management of VIP Jeoun Transport to suspend its planned fare increases.
According to the union, allowing VIP Jeoun to proceed with the increment could trigger other transport unions to unilaterally raise their fares, potentially disregarding directives from the Transport Ministry.
The spokesperson for GPRTU, Alhaji Moro Abbass, made these remarks during an interview on the Adekyee Mu Nsem morning show on Ahotor 92.3 FM, hosted by Citizen Kofi Owusu in Accra.
He described the move by VIP Jeoun as “absurd and disturbing,” noting that transport unions are currently in discussions with the Ministry of Transport to find a lasting solution to challenges posed by the volatility of global crude oil prices.
Meanwhile, management of VIP Jeoun Transport has confirmed that its planned increase in transport fares will take effect on Wednesday, April 8, despite an intervention from President John Dramani Mahama, who called for an emergency Cabinet meeting to deliberate on the recent surge in petroleum prices.
The decision signals a firm stance by one of Ghana’s leading intercity bus service providers, even as the government works to address broader economic pressures affecting both commuters and transport operators.
The fare adjustment will apply to both standard buses and executive coach services, impacting passengers traveling on major routes from Accra to other parts of the country.
This development comes at a time when many Ghanaians are already grappling with rising living costs, with fuel prices remaining a key driver of transport fares and overall inflation.
Industry stakeholders have consistently warned that sustained increases in operational costs—particularly fuel, spare parts, and maintenance—are making it increasingly difficult to maintain current fare levels.
Speaking to journalists after a meeting with officials at the Ministry of Transport on Tuesday, April 7, the General Manager of VIP Jeoun Transport, Adakabre Frimpong Manso, defended the company’s decision. He explained that the fare adjustment had been delayed for a considerable period despite mounting financial pressures.
“We have already announced our stance, but we will communicate to the directors what the Transport Minister has said. These fares were supposed to take effect in March 2025, but at the instance of the Transport Minister, we suspended them.
“So it has been pending for about a year. We should not forget the impact of rising prices. The last fare increase was in April 2024. What in Ghana cost GH₵10 two years ago still costs GH₵10 today in real terms?”
