The National Chairman of the Commercial Transport Operators of Ghana, Asonaba Nana Wredu, has stated that the decision to increase transport fares is a collective position shared by all transport unions across the country.
According to him, the proposed fare adjustment will be discussed further during a scheduled meeting with the sector minister to address challenges confronting the transport industry, particularly rising fuel prices and the increase in global crude oil prices resulting from tensions in the Gulf region involving Iran, Israel, and the United States.
Speaking on Adekyee Mu Nsem, the morning programme on Ahotor 92.3 FM hosted by Citizen Kofi Owusu in Accra, Asonaba Nana Wredu acknowledged that any increase in transport fares would affect the cost of living for Ghanaians. However, he stressed that transport operators are also grappling with rising operational costs.
He explained that several factors contribute to transport fare adjustments, including the cost of spare parts, fees charged by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), vehicle maintenance expenses, and other operational costs.
While noting that fuel prices had declined significantly in recent months, he said the recent sharp increase in fuel prices is placing considerable pressure on transport businesses and affecting their day-to-day operations.
Asonaba Nana Wredu expressed optimism that the cordial relationship between transport unions and the Transport Ministry would facilitate productive discussions. He said he hopes the meeting will result in a practical and balanced solution that serves the interests of both operators and the general public.
“I am hopeful that the discussions with the minister will lead to a realistic outcome that will be beneficial to Ghanaians,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry and a member of Parliament’s Transport Committee, Sampson Ahi, has assured the public that government remains committed to addressing the factors contributing to transport fare increases.
His comments come ahead of a planned 20 percent increase in transport fares by commercial transport operators, which is expected to take effect on Tuesday, June 2.
Mr. Ahi expressed confidence that ongoing discussions between transport operators and the Minister for Transport would yield a positive outcome.
“The government is focused on acquiring more vehicles to complement the efforts of the private sector. Another issue has to do with the cost of fuel, spare parts, and other factors operators consider when determining transport fares,” he said.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to working with stakeholders in the transport sector to ensure that transport services remain affordable while addressing the legitimate concerns of operators.