The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) says it will not accept a transport fare increase below 25% as negotiations with government enter a critical stage.
Deputy Public Relations Officer Samuel Amoah said the union remains committed to its original demand for a 30% adjustment and has rejected the Ministry of Transport’s proposed increase of between 10% and 15%.
“Our expectation is strong on the 30% increment. Our last meeting that we had last Friday, we made the ministry understand that we are not looking at anything less than 25%,” he said.
Rising Operating Costs Drive Demand
Mr Amoah said commercial drivers are struggling with increases in fuel prices, vehicle insurance, spare parts, lubricants and charges imposed by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority.
He cited insurance premiums as one example of the pressure facing operators.
According to him, annual insurance for a 15-seater vehicle has increased from GH¢837 to GH¢994, while the cost for a 23-passenger Sprinter has risen from GH¢930 to GH¢1,194.
Taxi operators, he added, now pay approximately GH¢744, compared with GH¢701 previously.
Mr Amoah also disputed claims that reductions in spare parts prices have reached commercial transport operators, particularly those using Sprinter, Toyota and Nissan buses.
Final Decision Expected After Talks
The GPRTU says it hopes to reach an agreement with the Ministry of Transport during the final round of negotiations.
“We believe today hopefully a final decision will be taken, because our drivers are waiting to hear something from the leadership,” Mr Amoah said.
He maintained that the union would continue negotiating for an adjustment that reflects the actual cost of operating commercial vehicles.
For passengers, however, the proposed increase remains subject to agreement. Existing approved fares remain in force until an official adjustment is announced.
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