The West Africa Director of CUTS International, Appiah Adomako Kusi, has called on government authorities not to intervene in blocking the proposed 20 percent increase in public transport fares, arguing that operators must be allowed to adjust prices in line with rising operational costs.
His comments come ahead of a scheduled meeting between the Ministry of Transport and transport unions on Monday, June 1, following the announcement by transport operators of a nationwide fare adjustment.
Speaking on Channel One News on Saturday, May 30, Mr Kusi stated that it would be unfair for regulators to prevent transport operators from increasing fares at a time when fuel prices and other critical inputs continue to rise.
He explained that transport operators have been under sustained pressure due to frequent fuel price adjustments, which have significantly increased the cost of running commercial transport services across the country.
According to him, limiting the ability of operators to revise fares could undermine the sustainability of private transport businesses, particularly in an environment where operational expenses are persistently increasing.
He further noted that while state supported transport systems may have some cushioning mechanisms, private operators do not benefit from similar subsidies, and therefore require flexibility to remain financially viable.
Mr Kusi argued that it is inconsistent for fuel prices and related costs to be adjusted upward periodically while transport operators are restricted from responding in a similar manner to maintain their operations.
He appealed to commuters to understand the economic realities driving the proposed increase, describing it as a necessary adjustment rather than an arbitrary decision by transport operators.
The Ghana Private Road Transport Union and the Commercial Transport Operators of Ghana have already announced a 20 percent increase in fares effective Tuesday, June 2, 2026, citing persistent fuel price hikes and rising costs of vehicle spare parts as key factors behind the decision.
