By Kingsley Mamore
Dambai (O/R), July 17, GNA – Passengers in the Krachi East Municipality of the Oti are increasingly growing frustrated and concerned about potential fare hikes following the government’s implementation of a GH¢1 fuel levy.
Many, who have spoken to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), are worried that drivers will pass on the additional cost to them, further burdening commuters who are already struggling with the high cost of living.
They told GNA that transport operators have threatened to increase lorry fares by 30 per cent if the levy is not scrapped.
“Any increase in fares will be a huge burden on us, we are already struggling to make ends meet,” Madam Nsanbiche Akosua Nsia, a passenger added.
In another development, transport unions and drivers have also strongly criticised the government’s decision for the introduction of a GH1 fuel levy, describing it as a heavy blow to their operations.
Dambai cooperative unions have expressed their concerns, saying the move will further increase the financial strain on drivers who are already struggling to cope with rising operational costs.
According to members of the Progressive Transport Owners Association (PROTOA), a Dambai cooperative society union and others, they had recently reduced lorry fares based on an understanding that the appreciation of the cedi and fuel reductions would bring relief.
Mr. Clement Mensah, an officer of the unions, explained that the introduction of the new tax would leave them feeling betrayed.
He said: “We just reduced our lorry fares with some understanding, thinking the appreciation of the cedi and fuel reductions would bring relief, only to wake up on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, to hear of another tax.
Mr. Mensah believes that the levy will have a negative impact on the transport industry and is calling for a review of the policy.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Benjamin Mensah