The Executive Secretary of the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC Ghana), Duncan Amoah, has justified the 20 per cent increase in public transport fares announced by transport unions, describing the adjustment as a necessary response to rising operational pressures facing transport operators.
His comments follow a nationwide announcement by the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and other commercial transport operators confirming a 20 per cent upward adjustment in fares effective June 2, 2026.
Speaking on Citi News Digest, Mr Amoah argued that transport operators had been left with little choice given the recent upward movement in fuel prices and other related costs.
He noted that operators had previously reduced fares when fuel prices eased, but were now being compelled to reverse those reductions as prices climb again.
“Let me start off by saying that the transport operators have been quite magnanimous with all of us. At this time, when already fuel prices are set to go up again on Monday, one could imagine that their operations could become unsustainable if they continue to charge the very old fares,” he said.
He further explained that some operators, particularly those in long-distance and intercity transport services, had already adjusted their fares upwards in response to market realities.
According to him, it would be unrealistic to expect the Ghana Private Road Transport Union and other operators to continue charging outdated fares under current economic conditions.
“It would become quite a disservice to the GPRTU and other transport operators if we insist at this point that they should stick with the old fares,” he stated, adding that while the 20 per cent adjustment may be on the higher side, the situation reflects broader cost pressures.
Mr Amoah noted that a 15 per cent increase would have been more reasonable in his view, but acknowledged that transport operators are also contending with rising insurance premiums, spare parts costs, and general maintenance expenses.
He, however, called for transparency in how the new fares were calculated, urging transport operators to clearly justify the basis of the 20 per cent increment.
The development has triggered public debate, with commuters expressing mixed reactions over the impact of the new fares on household budgets and transport affordability.
