The Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) has firmly dismissed reports that public transport fares will rise by 20% starting Friday, August 8, 2025.
In a press release dated Tuesday, August 5, COPEC described the claims as “unfounded and premature,” stressing that no official agreement has been reached between major transport unions and regulators.
The group said it had conducted checks with key stakeholders, including the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and other driver associations, and found no indication of any imminent fare adjustment.
“Our attention has been drawn to a public statement by the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC) on a purported looming transport fare increment of about 20% effective Friday, 8th of August 2025,” said COPEC’s Executive Secretary, Duncan Amoah.
“Our checks with the various transport Unions including the Ghana Private Roads Transport Union and other driver Unions indicate no such decision has been taken.”
COPEC also questioned the basis for any such fare hike, especially when current market conditions do not support it.
The group argued that fuel prices have significantly declined since the beginning of the year, making any proposed increment economically unjustifiable.
“For the avoidance of doubt, fuel prices which used to sell for around Ghc15/litre as of January 2025, when it declined to around ghc11 and ghc12/litre saw a section of drivers who were magnanimous in reducing transport fares by some 15%,” the statement added.
Amoah acknowledged that the recently introduced “One Ghana” fuel levy had sparked fare hike discussions among some unions, but insisted the levy alone is insufficient grounds for a 20% increase.
He warned against using it as a blanket justification to penalize commuters.
He also expressed concern about attempts to preemptively factor in the potential reintroduction of road tolls, which he described as speculative and inappropriate.
“It is however imperative to note that, an intention which has not yet been enforced cannot and should not form the basis of any increment in transport fares as the effects will not only be felt by the already suffering masses but will further diffuse genuine outcry by the people for the cost of goods and services to be reduced across all sectors to bring some relief.”
COPEC commended the country’s largest transport union for refusing to support any immediate fare adjustment, highlighting the need for broader stakeholder consultation and restraint in policy decisions affecting transport costs.
