Transport unions are set to meet with the Ministry of Transport today, Tuesday, July 28, to discuss a proposed 30 percent increase in transport fares, as rising fuel prices and the growing cost of vehicle spare parts continue to put pressure on operators.
The meeting comes after transport unions called for an upward review of fares, citing the increasing operational costs and financial challenges facing transport operators.
Speaking ahead of the meeting, the Deputy Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), Samuel Amoah, said the outcome of the engagement will determine the union’s next steps.
He explained that the unions are ready to negotiate with the government if no immediate measures are introduced to address the rising cost of petroleum products.
“They want to engage us and listen to what we have to say. If they believe there is nothing they can do about the high cost of petroleum products, we will put our proposed percentage on the table for negotiation. Whatever agreement we reach, we will communicate to our members,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) has urged the government to reinstate the fuel price intervention introduced during the peak of the Middle East crisis. COPEC argues that the intervention previously helped protect consumers from sharp increases in petroleum prices.
The Executive Secretary of COPEC, Duncan Amoah, said the temporary subsidy had significantly reduced fuel prices and helped ease the financial burden on transport operators, businesses, and motorists.
He recalled that when diesel prices approached GH¢18 per litre, the Chamber appealed to the government to intervene. The move resulted in a reduction of GH¢2 per litre for diesel and GH¢2.09 per litre for petrol.
“We are appealing to the government to reintroduce that intervention because diesel is once again approaching GH¢18 per litre, and indications are that prices could rise even further,” he said.
The outcome of today’s meeting is expected to determine whether transport fares will be increased in the coming days or whether the government will introduce measures to cushion transport operators against the rising cost of fuel.
