GPRTU awaits nomination of Transport Minister-designate for talks on fare increment

The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has announced that it is awaiting the appointment of a Minister-designate for Transport to initiate discussions on a potential fare adjustment.

The union explains that the threshold for implementing a fare increase has been reached due to consecutive fuel price hikes in January.

For example, state-owned GOIL has raised petrol prices from GH₵14.99 per litre in the first pricing window of the month to GH₵15.29. Diesel prices have also risen, moving from GH₵15.60 per litre to GH₵15.77.

Similarly, Shell has adjusted its prices, with petrol increasing from GH₵15.30 per litre to GH₵15.59, and diesel climbing from GH₵15.66 per litre to GH₵15.79.The upward adjustments are attributed to rising crude oil prices on the global market and the depreciation of the cedi.

In an interview with Citi Business News, the Industrial Relations Officer for GPRTU, Abass Imoro, indicated that the union is awaiting a Transport Minister nominee before any talks over fare increases.

“If the President is going to choose a Transport Minister, then we will work with the transport ministry. So, we are still waiting to see if a Transport Minister is appointed, go through the vetting process, and if they are accepted, then, of course, we will write to [him/her]. Normally, that is what we have been doing—going to the Transport Ministry and dealing with them directly,” he said.

When asked if GPRTU is awaiting the appointment of a Transport Minister before pushing for fare increases, Abass Imoro responded, saying, “That is what we are waiting for because we are far above the 10% threshold that allows us to change transport fares.”We have already surpassed the threshold, so we are waiting patiently without rushing anyone or creating the impression that we are pressuring anyone,” the GPRTU stated.

The union also revealed its intention to engage with relevant authorities to advocate for the removal of specific fuel taxes to help lower costs.