No justification for 20% fare hike – COPEC
The Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) has strongly opposed any attempt by commercial transport operators to raise fares by 20%, calling the move unjustified and unfair to ordinary Ghanaians.
In a statement issued following media reports of a planned fare hike, COPEC said its checks and consultations with key transport unions, including the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and other driver associations, revealed no official consensus or decision to increase fares.
“Our checks with the various transport unions indicate no such decision has been taken. It’s also difficult to understand the basis for such a steep fare increase, which disproportionately affects the poor and already struggling citizens,” COPEC stated.
The main justification cited for the proposed fare adjustment is the newly introduced GH¢1.00 per litre fuel levy.
While COPEC acknowledges this new charge, it insists it is not sufficient grounds for a 20% increase in fares.
“Yes, the levy exists, but it doesn’t erase the significant fuel price reductions recorded over recent months. Transport operators cannot use a marginal increase to justify a major fare hike,” the chamber argued.
COPEC pointed out that fuel prices, which hovered around GH¢15 per litre in January 2025, have since dropped to between GH¢11 and GH¢12 per litre.
In response, some driver unions reduced fares by 15%, though others refused and had to be pressured by local assemblies to comply.
“Even after the GH¢1 levy, fuel prices remain well below January levels. So any current fare increase claims lack credibility,” the statement added.
COPEC also dismissed suggestions that the anticipated return of road tolls could justify a fare increment. The chamber stressed that an unenforced policy cannot be used to increase operational costs.
“An intention that hasn’t been implemented cannot form the basis of any fare increase. Doing so would unfairly burden commuters and undermine efforts to ease the cost of living,” it said.
COPEC noted that the largest transport union, GPRTU, has already distanced itself from the proposed increase.
According to COPEC, both fuel prices and spare part costs have not risen significantly to support such a move.
The chamber is calling on all transport operators to reconsider the proposal and prioritise the interests of the Ghanaian public, especially at a time when many are still recovering from economic hardship.