In a move set to impact passengers nationwide, the Concerned Drivers Association (CDA) has announced a 15% increase in transport fares, effective November 2, 2024. The fare hike, CDA says, stems from soaring vehicle maintenance costs driven by sharp rises in spare parts prices.

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Public Relations Officer David Agboado addressed the decision during an October 29 press briefing, pointing out that vehicle maintenance costs have surged by over 200%, while other operational expenses, like fuel, have increased by around 120%.

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"The reason why we came out with this 15% is because of the high cost of running vehicles. Servicing vehicles, the things for which we are looking at to increase transport fares, are all very, very positive," Agboado stated.

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Initially, CDA considered a 25% fare increase. However, Agboado explained that the association decided on a smaller hike, considering the election period and the country’s current economic challenges.

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“If we want to go by the percentage, we would be charging 25%. But we have thought it right that things are not normal and we are in an election year too. We don’t want to jeopardise the situation. That’s why we are coming with 15% starting from November 2,” he added.

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The fare adjustment will affect all forms of public transport, from intra-city minibuses (known as "trotro") to intercity buses, potentially impacting commuting costs across Ghana. According to Agboado, this fare increase will proceed without formal approval from the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) or the Transport Ministry.

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The association justified this decision, comparing it to the spare parts sector, which CDA claims operates without the need for government approval for price adjustments.

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Agboado remarked, “When they [spare parts dealers] increase their products, they don’t go to the Ministry of Trade, but why, when we are about to increase our transport fare, everybody wants us to go and talk to the minister?”

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The Concerned Drivers Association represents 15 smaller transport groups, separate from the GPRTU, which is often involved in negotiating fare adjustments with government authorities. According to Agboado, GPRTU had advised CDA to delay the increase, but CDA intends to move forward. “It’s not everything that we need to engage the Transport Ministry on because we have been back and forth with these issues,” he noted.

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Passengers across the country have been advised to prepare for the upcoming fare hike, which CDA insists is necessary to sustain their operations amidst rising operational costs.

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