Commuters across Ghana are set to face a 20% hike in transport fares starting Monday, March 17, 2025. This increase, announced by the Alliance of Drivers Ghana, has been attributed to the rising cost of fuel, engine oil, and vehicle spare parts, which drivers say have made operations unsustainable.
The Alliance’s National Public Relations Officer, Kwaku Boateng, explained that drivers have endured months of financial strain, attempting to absorb the rising operational costs without passing them on to passengers. However, he emphasized that the current economic climate leaves drivers with no alternative but to adjust fares to stay afloat.
“We’ve been patient and have tried our best not to burden passengers, but the skyrocketing costs of fuel, spare parts, and maintenance are beyond what we can bear. This 20% increase is not to exploit passengers but to ensure our survival,” Boateng stated during an interview with Citi News.
Drivers Voice Their Frustration
The announcement reflects a broader frustration within the transport sector. According to Boateng, repeated efforts to engage the government on issues affecting drivers have yielded little to no results.
“The Finance Minister presented the 2025 budget and spent hours talking, but we heard nothing about relief for drivers. Meanwhile, tariffs, spare parts, and maintenance costs keep climbing,” he lamented.
Drivers across the country have echoed similar sentiments. Many report that fuel alone consumes nearly half of their daily earnings, while costs for engine oil, tires, and other essential spare parts have also skyrocketed.
“We have families to feed, vehicles to maintain, and businesses to sustain. Running at a loss daily is simply not viable. This fare increment is painful but absolutely necessary,” one driver explained.
A Contradiction Amidst Fuel Price Projections
Interestingly, the fare hike coincides with projections of a significant drop in fuel prices starting March 16, 2025. According to a Pricing Outlook Report, this marks the third consecutive reduction in fuel prices since mid-February 2025.
While consumers may welcome this development, drivers argue that the cumulative impact of months of high fuel prices, inflation, and cedi depreciation cannot be erased overnight.
“Even if fuel prices drop now, what about the months of losses we’ve endured? What about the engine oil and spare parts that remain expensive? This issue is bigger than just fuel,” a driver explained.
Appeal for Understanding
The Alliance of Drivers Ghana has urged commuters to bear with them, emphasizing that the increment is a last resort to keep the transport sector operational.
“We understand that this will affect everyone, but we’re pleading with passengers to understand our plight. If nothing changes, there might be a day when many drivers simply park their vehicles because they can’t keep up with the costs,” Boateng added.
This development highlights the ongoing challenges facing Ghana’s transport sector, as stakeholders continue to grapple with the dual pressures of economic hardship and public discontent.
Story by: Mercy Addai Turkson #ahotoronline.com
