Adidome: Some commercial drivers at Adidome in the Central Tongu District have defied the adjustment announced by the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport. The 15 percent reduction in transport fares officially took effect today, Saturday, May 24, 2025, but passengers continue to face challenges with non-compliance.
According to Ghana News Agency, the fare adjustment was expected to bring relief to commuters following a reduction in fuel prices. However, numerous passengers expressed disappointment, stating that many drivers are still charging the old fares, particularly the GH?20 fare on the Adidome-Sogakope route. One passenger lamented, "I was expecting to pay less today, but the driver insisted on taking the old fare," adding that the situation is worrying given the clear directive.
Some drivers, while acknowledging the directive, have not implemented the reduction due to several challenges. They cited high operational costs, including vehicle maintenance, spare parts, and licensing fees, which remain unchanged despite the drop in fuel prices. Additionally, delays in receiving official fare charts from transport unions have led to uncertainty about the revised rates. "We've heard the directive, but for operational reasons, we will begin the new fares on Monday," explained one commercial driver.
Concerns have also been raised about inconsistencies in how the new fares are communicated, with no clear enforcement or monitoring measures in place, making immediate compliance difficult. This delay has sparked concern among commuters who believe drivers may be exploiting the situation to profit at the passengers' expense.
Authorities have yet to respond to the drivers' non-compliance, but transport unions are expected to begin monitoring implementation across the country to ensure adherence. The 15 percent fare reduction was introduced to alleviate the financial burden on commuters following recent decreases in fuel prices. Transport unions and regulatory bodies have urged drivers to comply with the new pricing to maintain public trust and avoid potential sanctions.
