The Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) has rejected the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council’s (GRTCC) announcement of a 20% increase in public transport fares, effective Friday, August 8, 2025.
According to GRTCC General Secretary, Emmanuel Ohene-Yeboah, the hike is necessary due to rising operational costs affecting transport operators across the country.
However, in a press release sighted by GhanaWeb Business, the Executive Secretary of COPEC, Duncan Amoah questioned the rationale behind GRTCC’s decision.
He said the move would worsen the plight of already burdened Ghanaians.
Amoah argued that although the government recently introduced a GH¢1 fuel levy on every litre of petroleum product purchased, the overall fuel price trend in recent months has shown reductions at the pumps.
He further stated that key transport unions, including the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), have confirmed that no decision has been taken to increase fares.
“Our checks with the various transport unions, including the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and other driver associations, indicate no such decision has been made. It is difficult to understand what metrics justify such drastic fare hikes, which will disproportionately affect poor and struggling citizens,” Amoah said.
He added that, for clarity, fuel prices, previously selling at around GH¢15 per litre in January 2025 have since dropped to between GH¢11 and GH¢12 per litre.
While some drivers responded by reducing transport fares by 15%, others refused and had to be compelled by local assemblies.
SA/MA
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