By Francis Blankson
Tema, May 22, GNA – Commuters at the Ashaiman municipality have expressed relief and satisfaction at the recent announcement from the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), to reduce transportation fares starting May 24, 2025.
They said the persistent increase in transport fares had significantly impacted on their daily expenses, making the fare cut necessary to help ease their financial burden.
The commuters also called for a more transparent and regulated fare adjustment system, to reflect real-time changes in fuel prices.
Mr Jerry Ghansah, a teacher, raised concerns over the inconsistency in fare adjustments, particularly the lag in reductions when fuel prices dropped.
“Fare increments are implemented almost immediately after fuel hikes, yet fare reductions take longer to reflect,” he noted.
Although he acknowledged the efforts of the GPRTU, he said there was the need for a more transparent and accountable regulatory framework and appealed to the Ministry of Transport to strengthen oversight mechanisms to ensure fair and timely fare reviews that benefit passengers.
Mr Prosper Amawu, a mechanic, also welcomed the fare reduction, noting that it would allow individuals to manage their monthly budgets well, amid the high cost of living.
He stressed that affordable transport was especially essential for health workers and other professionals who travel long distances to urban centres to provide essential services.
“This reduction doesn’t fix everything, but it gives us some relief; now I can afford more necessities like food,” he claimed.
Miss Mary Asabil, a vegetable trader, described transport fares as a significant obstacle to her business, noting that “Sometimes I spend more on transportation than the goods I sell”.
She expressed optimism that the fare reduction would help her expand her business and better support her children’s education.
Mr Stephen Nortey, a commercial driver, on the other hand, said the reduction in transport fare cut places an unfair burden on transport operators, who were grappling with increasing fuel prices and vehicle maintenance costs.
He urged the government to also consider the economic realities drivers faced and ensure that future fare reviews account for both commuters and operators.
GNA
Edited by Laudia Sawer/Christabel Addo