Transport fares in Ghana will increase by 8% from Saturday, Sept. 26 following an agreement between the Ghana Private Road Transport Union and the Ministry of Transport, as operators seek relief from rising operating costs.

The adjustment follows weeks of negotiations after the GPRTU initially sought an increase of as much as 30%. The union later lowered its demand after the government indicated that fuel prices could fall in the next pricing window.

Samuel Amoah, the GPRTU’s deputy industrial and public relations officer, said Tuesday on Channel One Newsroom that the union had been seeking an increase of at least 25% but accepted the smaller adjustment after discussions with the ministry.

Mr. Amoah said transport operators were currently running their businesses at a loss but agreed to the 8% increase in anticipation of lower fuel prices.

The union also took into account the potential impact of higher fares on passengers, he said, adding that the government had given assurances that fuel prices would be reduced.

“If the expected reduction in fuel prices does not materialise,” Mr. Amoah said the GPRTU would return to the Ministry of Transport to seek further measures to support operators.

Source:TheDotNews