Commercial Transport Operators of Ghana have announced a 30 percent increase in transportation fares nationwide, effective Monday, January 22, 2024.
According to the operators, this is due to the substantial rise in the costs of lubricants, and spare parts coupled with an increment in DVLA service charges.
In a statement, the group said they have been grappling with mounting expenses, making it increasingly challenging to sustain their operations.
“The continuous surge in lubricant prices, driven by fluctuations in global oil markets, has resulted in a considerable burden on drivers who rely heavily on oil to keep our vehicles running efficiently,” the operators said in a statement.
The Transport Operators Association revealed that they have conducted comprehensive consultations with various stakeholders, including relevant state agencies and other transport associations before arriving at this decision.
According to the Public Relations Officer for GPRTU, Abbas Imoro, the projected increase in fares initially was in connection with the Emission Levy Bill passed by parliament.
He argued that the levy would exacerbate the woes of the already taxed vehicle owners and the transport business.
“But we did indicate that if nothing is being done or nothing can be done about it, then of course we have other problems as well. We will package ourselves and come out with an upward adjustment of lorry fares not less than 60%,” Abbas Imoro said. For now, the transporters have set sights on 30 percent.