A 15 percent reduction in public transport fares, set to take effect nationwide from Saturday, May 24, has been met with mixed reactions from passengers and drivers at the Tema Station in Accra. The directive, intended to reflect recent drops in fuel prices and the appreciation of the cedi, has highlighted differing economic pressures faced by stakeholders.
While acknowledging the directive, many drivers expressed dissatisfaction. Mr. Frederick Boakye Gyimah, Chairman of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), Burma Camp Branch, stated that fare reductions based solely on fuel prices overlook the escalating costs of spare parts and vehicle maintenance. He also voiced concerns about the impact on earnings, as low patronage at the terminal often leads to vehicles departing without being fully loaded.
Mr. Gyimah indicated that a staggered implementation of the new fares, from GH¢6.80 to GH¢6.50, would begin on Monday, allowing for passenger consultation to maintain partial loading. However, he warned that full enforcement of the 15 percent cut would proceed, even if it caused departure delays, should passengers resist.
Mr. Okpoti Sowah, a driver and former union executive at La-Tema Station, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the imbalance created by reduced fares without corresponding decreases in the prices of goods and services. He confirmed that notices and updated fare lists have been displayed to prevent disputes with passengers.
Conversely, some passengers welcomed the fare reduction. Madam Comfort Tackie, a bags trader, reported her fare from Caprice to Accra had decreased from GH¢6.00 to GH¢5.00, which she believes will ease her financial burden. She urged the government to continue addressing broader economic challenges.
Mr. Samuel Okyere, a phone accessories dealer,, expressed his satisfaction with the government’s decision, anticipating future savings on his commutes, even though his fare had not yet been reduced.
However, other passengers were less optimistic about the impact. Mr. Solomon Boateng, a sunglasses trader, acknowledged a fare drop from GH¢7.80 to GH¢7.00 for his trip from Dansoman, Glefe, to Accra Tema Station, but felt the overall financial benefit would be negligible.
Madam Sarah Doku, a fruits and vegetables seller commuting from Agege to Tema Station, reported no reduction in her GH¢7.00 fare as of Saturday morning, leading to confrontations between passengers and transport operators. She also anticipated that any savings from reduced transport costs would be negated by the need to lower the prices of her own goods to match market expectations.
A joint statement from the GPRTU and the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC) officially announced the nationwide fare reduction, urging all commercial operators to comply and display the revised fares at their terminals. The statement, signed by Mr. Godfred Abulbire and Mr. Emmanuel Ohene Yeboah, General Secretaries of the GPRTU and GRTCC respectively, called for cooperation between commuters and drivers to ensure a smooth implementation of the directive
