In a significant development for commuters across Ghana, the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has announced a 15% reduction in transport fares, set to take effect on Saturday, May 25, 2025. This decision stems from a pivotal meeting between GPRTU’s national leadership and the Minister of Transport, aimed at alleviating the financial burden on passengers amid fluctuating fuel prices.
Alhaji Abbas Ibrahim Moro, the GPRTU's Public Relations Officer, confirmed the fare adjustment during an exclusive conversation with journalist Alfred Ocansey, which is scheduled to air on the program Ghana Tonight. “Following extensive discussions with the Minister of Transport, we have agreed to lower transport fares by 15% starting this Saturday,” Moro stated, emphasizing the collaborative nature of the decision.
The fare reduction comes in response to a significant decline in fuel prices, which have dropped by around 18%. Traditionally, such drops lead the GPRTU to adjust fares by calculating one-third of the decrease, but this time they opted for a more cautious approach. “We arrived at the decision to implement a 15% reduction based on our assessment of the fuel price drop. We remain optimistic that our partners in the spare parts industry will also reconsider their pricing strategies,” Moro explained.
In his remarks, Moro made it clear that the union is taking this initiative as a goodwill gesture aimed at supporting the Ghanaian public during challenging economic times. “It’s important to note that we did not wait for other cost components to decrease before announcing this reduction. Many of our costs, including lubricants, permits, and taxes, have remained unchanged. This 15% cut is our contribution to help reset the economic pressures faced by many,” he articulated.
Moro also addressed a critical aspect of the announcement: the strict compliance expected from GPRTU members regarding this fare reduction. “As citizens of Ghana, we have a responsibility to adhere to the laws of our land. Just as the public embraced previous fare increases, we expect them to benefit from this reduction without resistance. Anyone who violates this directive will be held accountable,” he asserted firmly.
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In an effort to ensure that passengers feel empowered, Moro urged commuters to report any drivers who fail to comply with the new fare structure to the authorities. “We are not advocating for violence or aggression; however, it is essential for passengers to inform the nearest police station if they encounter non-compliance. While we acknowledge the burden of such issues tends to fall on the public, we ask that everyone act respectfully and responsibly when addressing the situation,” he said.
This latest fare adjustment reflects the GPRTU's responsiveness to the economic landscape and a growing desire to foster fairness within the transport sector. Many stakeholders have voiced concerns regarding the rising cost of living, putting further pressure on transport operators to reconsider their pricing strategies.
The transport sector plays a vital role in the daily lives of Ghanaians, connecting communities and facilitating commerce. Therefore, such price adjustments can have a ripple effect on economic stability and consumer confidence. The announcement has been received with cautious optimism by passengers, who have felt the pinch of rising transport costs over recent months.
In light of the current economic challenges and ongoing conversations about fuel prices and cost of living, this fare reduction signals a moment of solidarity between the GPRTU and the public. By easing fares, the GPRTU aims not only to provide immediate relief for commuters but also to strengthen the relationship between transport operators and the communities they serve.
As the implementation date approaches, both union members and passengers wait with bated breath to see how this decision will affect daily commutes. The hope is that this fare reduction paves the way for more sustainable transport solutions and a better quality of life for all Ghanaians.
By: Amablogger