The Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) has categorically dismissed a proposed 20% increase in transport fares announced by the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC), stating it is both unjustified and detrimental to the ordinary Ghanaian.
According to COPEC, the fare adjustment – expected to take effect on Friday, August 8, 2025 – lacks a sound basis, especially in the context of recent fuel price trends and prevailing economic hardship among the citizenry.
In a strongly worded press release issued on Tuesday, August 5, the Executive Secretary of COPEC, Mr. Duncan Amoah, emphasized that no formal agreement has been reached between the major transport unions and government for such an increment.
“Our checks with the various transport unions, including the Ghana Private Roads Transport Union (GPRTU) and other driver unions, indicate no such decision has been taken,” the statement said. “It is also difficult to comprehend what matrices inform any such drastic upward reviews of public transport fares, as that affects largely the poor and already suffering masses.”
COPEC noted that fuel prices, which had risen to about GH¢15 per litre in January 2025, have since dropped to around GH¢11–12 per litre. This reduction in pump prices, the chamber argues, does not support the rationale for a fare hike.
“On the balance of odds or numbers, the pricing levels as of today are still not anywhere near the January prices from which transport fare discussions could be had, and such is our surprise at the attempts by a section of transport operators to justify a further increase in fares as of this time,” COPEC added.
The Chamber further criticized the GRTCC’s justification for the fare hike, which includes the introduction of a GH¢1.00 per litre fuel levy, the unchanging cost of spare parts, and worsening road conditions. While COPEC acknowledged these factors as real concerns, it insisted they should not be used as a pretext to burden already struggling commuters.
“The above argument, though true, cannot and should not be the basis for punishing the suffering Ghanaian masses. The overall effect of the new One Ghana levy is still not sufficient to wipe out the sustained reductions recorded at the pumps over the past couple of months,” the statement read.
COPEC also warned against implementing fare increases based on policy proposals that have not yet taken effect.
“It is imperative to note that an intention which has not yet been enforced cannot and should not form the basis of any increases in transport fares. The effects will not only be felt by the already suffering masses but will further diffuse genuine outcry by the people for the cost of goods and services to be reduced across all sectors to bring some relief,” it stated.
Despite COPEC’s objections, the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council remains adamant. In a joint statement signed by its General Secretary, Emmanuel Ohene-Yeboah, and Acting National Chairman, Alhaji Tanko, the Council justified the increase with three main factors: the new GH¢1 fuel levy, rising spare parts and service costs, and deteriorating roads leading to higher maintenance expenses.
The 20% increase is expected to affect all commercial transport services, including taxis, intra-city trotro services, long-distance intercity buses, and haulage trucks. The GRTCC has directed all commercial operators to comply with the new fares and ensure they are visibly displayed at loading terminals.
In May this year, transport operators announced a 15% reduction in fares following a sustained appreciation of the cedi and a corresponding drop in fuel prices. However, compliance was sporadic, with reports of widespread disregard for the directive by some drivers, especially in major cities.
The latest standoff between COPEC and GRTCC has sparked fresh debate over the need for a regulatory framework that ensures fairness and transparency in transport pricing — and protects the interests of commuters who continue to bear the brunt of economic uncertainties.
