The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) says while recent gains of the cedi have led to a reduction in fuel prices, the cost of other critical inputs such as spare parts and lubricants remains high, continuing to weigh on drivers’ operations.
Transport fares in Ghana were cut by 15 percent, effective May 24, 2025, following successful negotiations between transport operators and the Ministry of Transport.
The reduction was driven by sustained appreciation of the cedi and a corresponding drop in fuel prices at the pumps. At the time, spare-parts dealers had pledged to reduce their prices, but this has not materialized, while lubricants have also remained unchanged despite the fare reduction.
Industrial Relations Officer of the Union, Abass Imoro, explained that the appreciation of the local currency in recent weeks influenced pump prices, prompting the 15 percent reduction in transport fares.
He however noted that the relief is only partial, since other cost components for drivers have not been adjusted.
“Fuel prices went down because of the strength of the cedi, but when you look at spare parts, lubricants and other accessories, they have not reduced. Yet, they are all part of our cost of operation,” he told 3business.
Mr. Imoro revealed that although spare parts dealers had earlier hinted at possible reductions in prices, no significant cuts have been seen in the market.
“Despite the calls on those associations, especially spare parts dealers, who even hinted of a decrease, we haven’t seen any over the weeks. Meanwhile, fares have gone down by 15 percent,” he stressed.
The GPRTU maintains that while passengers are enjoying reduced fares, the Union continues to appeal for a fair adjustment of input costs across the transport value chain to ease the financial burden on commercial drivers.
