Transport unions are meeting officials from the Ministry of Transport today to press for a proposed 30 percent increase in transport fares, citing rising fuel prices and the soaring cost of vehicle spare parts as pressures that operators can no longer absorb.
The outcome of the discussions is expected to determine whether commuters should prepare for higher fares in the coming days or whether government will step in with measures aimed at easing the burden on commercial drivers.
The meeting follows growing calls from transport operators for an upward adjustment, with unions insisting that current fares no longer reflect the cost of doing business.
GPRTU signals readiness to negotiate
Deputy Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union, Samuel Amoah, said the unions are entering the meeting ready to engage government before taking any final decision.
According to him, discussions will focus on whether authorities have practical options for addressing the recent increase in petroleum prices, which has become the biggest concern for operators.
"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 lay our proposed percentage on the table for negotiation.
"Whatever agreement we reach, we will communicate to our members." - Samuel Amoah
His comments suggest the unions are leaving room for compromise rather than insisting on the full 30 percent increase from the outset.
COPEC urges government to act
Meanwhile, the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers is urging government to revive the fuel price intervention introduced during the height of the Middle East crisis.
Executive Secretary of COPEC, Duncan Amoah, argued that the temporary measure previously helped cushion motorists, transport operators and businesses from sharp increases in fuel prices.
He recalled that when diesel prices approached GH¢18 per litre, the intervention reduced diesel prices by GH¢2 per litre and petrol prices by GH¢2.09 per litre.
"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 appeal comes as fuel prices continue to trend upward, driven largely by developments in the international oil market.
For now, attention is fixed on today's meeting. Whether commuters face higher transport fares or receive temporary relief through government intervention could become clear once negotiations conclude.
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