The government is scheduled to launch a mobile application soon, the Minister of Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, has revealed.

According to him, the app, which is currently being developed, is intended to ensure transparent pricing and easy nationwide access to spare parts, following consistent complaints from drivers about disparities in spare parts prices, which have hindered transport fare reductions despite a drop in fuel prices.

Mr Nikpe made the announcement during an appearance on Accra-based radio station Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show on Thursday, February 5.

He revealed that the government lobbied for a 15% reduction in transport fares last year. However, many drivers initially resisted further reductions, citing high spare-parts prices driven by dollar instability.

He said, “The Trade Ministry plays a crucial role because drivers need access to spare parts for repairs. Last year, we achieved one of the highest reductions in transport fares in the country, negotiating a 15% decrease with our transport unions.

"However, drivers were initially reluctant to lower their fares due to the high cost of spare parts, which were affected by the rising dollar. Now that the dollar has stabilised, we expect this to reduce spare parts prices. Fuel prices have also shown some stability recently.”

He added that, together with efforts to retool state transport agencies such as Metro Mass Transit and STC, the initiative will help sanitise and decongest cities while improving traffic flow.

The minister also highlighted collaboration with the National Road Safety Authority to implement a nationwide road-safety campaign aimed at enhancing safety for both commuters and drivers.

It will be recalled that the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA), the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), the Spare Parts Dealers Association, and others were scheduled to appear before Parliament to justify their decisions not to reduce prices of their goods and services despite the cedi’s gains in May 2025.

This was at a time when pressure was mounting on traders to reduce prices as a result of the local currency’s stability against major trading currencies, particularly the dollar. In that same month, the Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association in the Greater Accra Region directed its members to reduce prices of spare parts owing to the appreciation of the cedi.

However, they argued that significant reductions in the prices of goods and services could not occur immediately.

A section explained that they were yet to sell off old stock that had been bought at higher exchange rates.

“For now, maybe it can’t be possible because we ordered the goods at a certain rate, which is higher than what we are seeing now. At that price, we have to sell, and when the goods finish and you order another one at a reduced exchange rate, then definitely the prices will come down.”

Another vendor, Yaw Ansong, echoed this, saying, “Unless I sell what I already ordered and finish before I can reduce the price of the goods, I haven’t ordered a new one, so I can’t reduce the price. If I reduce the price, I am going to lose my job,” he stated.

Eric Osei Danso also explained, “For others, price reductions may come, but only if the cedi’s performance remains stable over time.”

The Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) also directed its members to slash their prices in response to the local currency’s gains.

Committee Chairman Alexander Gabby Hottor-Dze noted that relevant stakeholders must assist the committee in deliberating on the matter.

“We have come to understand that the dollar is down and the cedi is also going up, so we are going to do what they say, but not now. We will go down on prices when we see the dollar is still stable where it is.”

“There have been price reductions in some quarters, but these are not commensurate with the impact of the appreciation of the cedi.”

“The Committee on Trade, Industry and Tourism had called for this meeting to inquire into why businesses and service providers are reluctant to reduce their prices, the impact on the economy, and the way forward.”

“We have assembled here most of the relevant stakeholders who would assist the committee to deliberate on the matter,” he added.