Compel drivers to comply with 15% reduction in fares — CUTS International

A consumer protection advocate, CUTS International, has urged the government to take decisive action to ensure consumers benefit from recent reductions in fuel prices. 

The organisation further called on the government to empower metropolitan, municipal, and district assemblies (MMDAs) to deregister and ban commercial drivers who refused to comply with the 15 per cent reduction in transport fares as announced by the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU).

“Fuel prices have dropped significantly, and GPRTU has taken the commendable step of recommending lorry fare reductions by 15 per cent,” a statement by the West Africa Regional Director of CUTS, Appiah Kusi Adomako, said.

The CUTS Director added: “It is only fair that passengers, many of whom are struggling with the high cost of living, should see the benefits of this reduction reflected in their daily transport costs.”

Context

Following a decline in fuel prices and appreciation of the local currency against major trading currencies, the GPRTU directed all drivers to reduce their transport fares by 15 per cent.

The GPRTU’s directive took effect nationwide on Saturday, May 24, 2025. However, some transport unions and drivers have declined to implement the fare reduction, citing unrelated operational concerns. 

Unfairness

Mr Adomako said that the resistance by some of the drivers to the fare reduction was exploitative and unfair to the commuting public.

“Transport fares are one of the biggest daily expenditures for many citizens. Any attempt to suppress a legitimate fare reduction due to falling fuel prices is simply unacceptable,” he said.

The director proposed a three-pronged approach to protect consumers and restore discipline in the transport system, among which was to deregistering and banning of non-compliant drivers.

“MMDAs already have the mandate under local government laws to register and licence commercial vehicles operating in their jurisdictions.

“The government should empower them to revoke the registration of drivers who refuse to comply with the new fare regime,” he said.

The director further proposed that compliant drivers should be issued visible stickers as proof of adherence, “this will allow the police and regulators to easily identify and sanction those who continue to exploit commuters”.

Public transport

Mr Adomako also stressed the need to invest in public mass transport system as a long-term measure to address the challenges in cities.

He called for the urgent retooling of Ayalolo and Metro Mass Transit (MMT), along with the construction of dedicated bus lanes to improve reliability and efficiency.

“A strong state-run transport system can introduce healthy competition, improve service quality, and prevent arbitrary fare hikes.

“We need consumer-focused transport reforms that promote affordability, fairness and safety. Now is the time,” Mr Adomako added.