Spare parts dealers at Abossey Okai have rejected claims that high prices of vehicle components are responsible for the current shortage of public transport vehicles, insisting they should not be blamed for the hardship facing commuters.

The Chairman of the Abossey Okai Dealers Association, Frank Otchere, said prices of most spare parts have rather fallen, largely due to the appreciation of the cedi against the US dollar.

Speaking in an interview, Mr Otchere explained that components for private vehicles, including Toyota Vitz cars commonly used by ride-hailing services, have seen significant price reductions.

“If you come to the Toyota Vitz with Uber and everything, prices have dropped. Batteries and others, too. The dollar is down, so there is no reason why we should be raising our prices,” he said.

According to him, the only notable challenge in the market relates to spare parts for Sprinter buses, which are widely used for public transport, and the individuals who import and sell those vehicles.

“We have a challenge with the Sprinter buses and the people who sell the Sprinters. That’s the only challenge we have. Aside from that, if you go to all the stores around here, prices have dropped,” he noted.

Mr Otchere supported his claims with examples, indicating that engines which previously sold for GH¢15,000 are now going for about GH¢10,000, while engine oil prices have dropped from GH¢600 to GH¢350. He added that batteries, once sold for GH¢1,700, are now priced between GH¢1,000 and GH¢1,002.

He also commended the government for stabilising the currency and creating conditions that have led to reduced prices in the spare parts market.

“Prices have dropped, and we have to give credit to the government. They are doing a very good job,” Mr Otchere stated.

The comments come amid growing public concern over the limited availability of commercial vehicles, which has increased pressure on commuters in parts of the country.