The Ghana Private Road Transport Union has rejected claims that its proposed 30 percent increase in public transport fares has been suspended, maintaining that discussions with the government remain unresolved and that the proposed adjustment is still firmly on the negotiating table.
The union says no agreement has been reached with the government to abandon or suspend the proposed review, despite an earlier assertion by the National Petroleum Authority that engagements with transport operators had effectively placed the planned fare increase on hold.
Deputy Public Relations Officer of the GPRTU, Samuel Amoah, said the union and the Ministry of Transport were still negotiating the proposed adjustment when they met on Friday, September 18, and that the discussions ended without a final determination.
According to him, the GPRTU presented 30 percent as its proposed adjustment, while remaining open to negotiations with the government. He said the union had nevertheless made it clear that any downward revision would not reduce the proposed increase below 25 percent.
The position places the transport fare discussions at a critical stage, with commuters awaiting clarity on whether the existing fares will remain unchanged or whether a revised structure will eventually be approved.
The latest development follows an earlier statement by NPA Chief Executive, Godwin Edudzi Tamakloe, that engagements between the government and transport operators had helped to put the proposed fare adjustment on hold. Mr Tamakloe explained that the discussions were aimed at finding ways to manage rising fuel prices and other operating expenses without immediately transferring the full increase in costs to passengers.
The GPRTU, however, maintains that no such agreement was reached.
The union’s position is consistent with its earlier submissions to the Ministry of Transport, where it formally requested a review of public transport fares on the basis of increased operating costs. A joint process involving the Ministry of Transport, the GPRTU and the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council was subsequently established to examine the various cost components used in determining transport fares.
The review is expected to take into account expenses associated with fuel, vehicle spare parts, lubricants, insurance, maintenance and other costs incurred by commercial transport operators.
The GPRTU had previously emphasised that, until the consultative process was completed and a new fare structure officially approved, existing approved fares remained in force. The union and the GRTCC had also cautioned drivers, station masters and vehicle owners against introducing unilateral increases.
The renewed disagreement comes against the backdrop of a fresh increase in petroleum price floors announced by the National Petroleum Authority for the second pricing window of September.
From September 16, the minimum price floor for petrol was raised from GH¢14.53 to GH¢16 per litre, while diesel increased from GH¢15.60 to GH¢16.77 per litre. The minimum price for Liquefied Petroleum Gas was also increased to GH¢10.97 per kilogramme.
The higher fuel costs have intensified pressure on commercial transport operators, who argue that fuel represents only one component of the expenses involved in keeping vehicles operational.
The GPRTU has previously stated that rising expenditure on spare parts, lubricants, insurance, taxes and vehicle maintenance has compounded the financial pressures confronting drivers and vehicle owners.
Mr Amoah said the GPRTU and the Ministry of Transport are expected to return to the negotiating table on Tuesday, September 22, following the postponement of the planned engagement because Monday, September 21 was a public holiday.
He indicated that the parties would use the meeting to continue discussions and attempt to reach a conclusion on the percentage adjustment.
The GPRTU has also directed its members not to participate in a sit down strike announced by the Progressive Transport Owners Association over the escalating cost of vehicle maintenance.
That directive comes as commercial transport operators continue to raise concerns about the financial burden associated with maintaining vehicles and keeping them in regular service.
For now, however, there has been no official approval of a new transport fare structure. Existing approved fares therefore remain applicable while negotiations continue, meaning commuters are yet to receive a formally sanctioned increase.
The outcome of the September 22 discussions is expected to provide greater clarity on whether the GPRTU will retain its proposed 30 percent adjustment, accept a lower figure or reach another arrangement with the government.
