Ghanaian commuters can anticipate some monetary relief as the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) announces an imminent reduction in transport fares.

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This was made known by the Industrial Relations Officer of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), Abass Imoro, during an interview with Channel One News on Monday, May 19, assuring Ghanaians of what he describes as a "smiley reduction."

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“The meeting is about the reduction in fares, so the public should rest assured that we will give them a smiley reduction,” Imoro added.

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Conversations on transport fare reduction have become necessary at a time when the Ghanaian cedi has appreciated by 16% against major trading currencies, particularly the dollar, in the past days.

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Fuel prices have also been affected by the dollar's depreciation against the cedi .Fuel prices have reduced twice since the beginning of the year, with the first recorded on January 16 and the second on May 16. In January, the prices of petrol declined by 3% and diesel prices by 1%.

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The second significant reduction happened on May 16, with petrol prices falling by 6.7%–8.8%, diesel by 4%–6%, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) by approximately 10%.

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Despite the cedi’s appreciation, many are questioning why prices of goods and services remain the same.In reaction to these concerns, GPRTU said they have met with the Transport Ministry, with a final meeting scheduled for Tuesday, May 20.

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“It was a marathon meeting. The Transport Ministry is looking for some percentage, and the transport operators are also looking for some percentage.

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Finally, we closed halfway. We are going back, and tomorrow we will come and meet them on the final decision,” he noted.

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