Commuters in Accra and other parts of the Greater Accra Region are grappling with arbitrary and steep fare increases by commercial drivers and their conductors, locally known as “mates.” The hikes, which have not been officially sanctioned by the Ministry of Transport or the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), are being justified by operators as a response to worsening traffic congestion.
Despite recent declines in fuel prices and the strengthening of the cedi, commuters have seen no corresponding relief at the pumps or in transport fares.
“Order from Above”
At the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange, commuters expressed frustration as drivers and conductors justified the hikes as directives from vehicle owners and station masters.
“It’s an order from above. Whatever the master says is what we also abide by,” said a conductor on the Dome-bound route.
Operators argue that the main cause of the increases is time lost in transit. The normally 30-minute journey between the Interchange and Dome now stretches to two or three hours due to heavy congestion. Similar challenges are reported in Mallam, Kasoa, Madina, Lapaz, and Ablekuma.
Government and GPRTU at Loggerheads
The government has condemned the unauthorized fare increases. Minister of State for Government Communication, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, urged the public not to pay fares that have not been officially gazetted, noting that unilateral hikes undermine economic stability.
Meanwhile, the GPRTU acknowledged rising operational costs and admitted that some drivers have acted independently due to the delay in reviewing fare structures. Local branches have reportedly taken matters into their own hands to avoid financial collapse.
Spare Parts Market Challenges Questioned
The Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association has partially challenged the drivers’ claims of rising costs. Chairman Frank Otchere said the prices of most spare parts have fallen, thanks to the appreciation of the cedi against the U.S. dollar, with the exception of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vehicles.
“Prices have dropped, and we have to give credit to the government. They are doing a very good job,” he said, highlighting significant reductions in engine, oil, and battery prices for commonly used vehicles.
Calls for the Transport Minister’s Removal
The chaotic state of the sector has prompted calls for the dismissal of the Transport Minister, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, from the Concerned Drivers Association. David Agboado, the association’s Public Relations Officer, accused the Minister of poor management and lack of engagement with transport unions.
He compared the Minister’s performance unfavorably with other officials in sectors such as finance, the Bank of Ghana, and the National Petroleum Authority, citing improvements in efficiency and cost reductions elsewhere.
Impact on Commuters
For commuters travelling from Dome to the central business district, the fare hikes translate to daily increases of GHS 2.00 to GHS 5.00, raising transport costs by 30% to 50% in some cases.
Seeking Government Intervention
The GPRTU has called for police and government intervention to curb unauthorized fare increases. Samuel Amoah, Deputy Industrial and Public Relations Officer, emphasized that drivers operating outside unions should either join an existing union or form a legally recognized association.
“The solution lies with the government, Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDCEs), and the Road Safety Authority to create clear rules that will control drivers in Ghana,” Mr. Amoah said, highlighting the urgent need for regulation and enforcement.