The Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) has issued a firm rebuttal to claims of the looming 20% increase in transport fares, describing the proposal as unjustified and premature.
In a press statement dated 5th August, 2025, COPEC expressed concern over recent reports attributed to the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC), suggesting that transport fares could rise as early as Friday, August 8, due to the newly imposed “One Ghana” fuel levy.
However, according to COPEC’s checks with major transport unions—including the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU)—no such fare adjustment has been agreed upon.
Fuel Prices Not Justification Enough
COPEC argues that current fuel price trends do not warrant a fare hike. While the new GH¢1 levy is acknowledged, the chamber notes that fuel prices at the pump have dropped significantly in recent months—from GH¢15 per litre in January to around GH¢11–12.
This, COPEC claims, still reflects a net decrease in cost, which some driver unions responsibly responded to with a 15% fare reduction earlier this year.
“To use a single levy as justification to increase fares now is not only disingenuous but punishes an already burdened population”
Road Tolls and Economic Burdens
Adding to the discourse, COPEC highlighted driver union grievances over government plans to reintroduce road tolls—an initiative that, if enforced, could further impact transport operations.
COPEC insists that broad consultation is needed before any such policies take effect.
“An intention yet to be enforced cannot form the basis of fare increases,” the statement emphasised, warning that speculative fare hikes risk triggering inflation and undermining public confidence in the transport sector.
GPRTU Dismisses Fare Increment
Reassuring commuters, COPEC noted that Ghana’s largest transport union has already distanced itself from any plan to raise fares at this time, citing stable spare parts and fuel prices.
The chamber called on authorities to safeguard the economic welfare of everyday Ghanaians and resist unjustified fare hikes that could destabilise the cost of living and public trust.
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