CUTS Calls for Action Against Drivers Who Defy 15% Fare Reduction
Accra, Ghana - 27 May, 2025 - The consumer advocacy group CUTS International has urged the Ghanaian government to take decisive action against commercial drivers who are refusing to implement the recently announced 15% reduction in transport fares.
Despite the Ghana Private Road Transport Union's (GPRTU) directive, which took effect on May 24 following a significant drop in fuel prices, many drivers and unions have failed to comply, citing unrelated operational costs. CUTS describes this non-compliance as exploitative and is calling on Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to deregister and ban drivers who defy the fare directive.
According to Appiah Kusi Adomako, West Africa Regional Director of CUTS, passengers, who are already struggling with the high cost of living, should benefit from the reduction in fuel prices. To ensure compliance, CUTS proposes a three-pronged approach, including empowering MMDAs to revoke the operating licenses of non-compliant drivers, issuing visible stickers to compliant drivers, and deploying idle university buses to increase capacity and pressure uncooperative drivers.
“Fuel prices have dropped significantly, and GPRTU has taken the commendable step of recommending lorry fare reductions by 15%,”
“It is only fair that passengers, many of whom are struggling with the high cost of living, see the benefits of this reduction reflected in their daily transport costs.”
The group is also advocating for greater government investment in public mass transport systems, citing examples of reliable public transport in cities like London and New York.
“Cities like London, New York, Seoul, and Berlin have reliable public transport because their governments invest in it. Ghana must do the same,” Mr. Adomako said.
According to CUTS, government oversight is needed to stabilize and make public transportation pricing fair, much like the NPA's role in controlling fuel prices.
“We need consumer-focused transport reforms that promote affordability, fairness, and safety,” Mr. Adomako said. “Now is the time for action.,'' he added.
Source: Lead News Online
