The Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana has announced a 15% increase in transport fares, effective Monday, July 22.

The association cited the rising cost of fuel as a primary reason for the fare hike, with some oil marketing companies now selling products at prices exceeding GH₵15. 

They added that increased prices of essential items such as spare parts, crucial for the transport business, have further necessitated this decision.

David Agboado, the Public Relations Officer of the Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana, expressed concerns in an interview with Citi FM on Wednesday, July 17, about the adverse effects these rising costs are having on the transport sector. 

He emphasised that the fare increase is justified given the current economic pressures.

According to Mr Agboado, drivers cannot continue to absorb the escalating fuel prices, which are significantly impacting their earnings. 

The fare increase is seen as a necessary measure to ensure the sustainability of their operations amidst the rising costs.

“We will be increasing transport fares by Monday by 15%. The reason is that fuel prices have gone high. All that we use in servicing our vehicles has gone high. That necessitated the 15% increment.”

“Transport Ministry is not aware and we don’t need to sit with Transport Ministry before we increase our transport fares. We keep saying this,” he stated.

Several oil marketing companies (OMCs) have increased their prices at the pumps with the start of July’s second pricing window.

Shell, one of the leading OMCs, has raised the price of a litre of petrol from GH₵14.80 to GH₵15.10, and a litre of diesel from GH₵14.92 to GH₵15.25. 

More OMCs are expected to follow suit and adjust their prices upward soon.