The Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) has dismissed reports of an impending 20% increase in public transport fares scheduled to take effect Friday, August 8, 2025.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, August 5, COPEC clarified that its consultations with major transport unions, including the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), revealed no official decision to raise fares.
The organization criticized the announcement by the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC), calling the proposed hike unjustifiable, particularly amid ongoing economic hardship for many Ghanaians.
Executive Secretary of COPEC, Duncan Amoah, acknowledged the recent imposition of a GH¢1 per litre fuel levy by the government, but pointed out that overall fuel prices have declined in recent months.
“Fuel prices that were around GH¢15 per litre in January 2025 have since fallen to between GH¢11 and GH¢12,” Amoah noted. “During that period, some driver unions voluntarily reduced fares by about 15%, though others refused to comply until pressured by local authorities.”
He argued that current fuel price levels do not warrant another fare increase and expressed surprise at attempts by some operators to justify one now.
Amoah also criticised efforts to factor in the possible return of road tolls into fare calculations, stating that since the tolls have not yet been reintroduced, they should not influence current pricing decisions.
COPEC welcomed the stance of the GPRTU, Ghana’s largest transport union, which has already rejected the fare hike, citing stable fuel prices and minimal changes in the cost of spare parts.
The chamber concluded by urging all stakeholders to engage in broader consultations before making any decisions that could deepen the financial burden on commuters.
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