Passengers are bleeding while fuel prices drop

Consumer advocacy group CUTS International is calling on the government to step in and ensure that all Ghanaians benefit fully from the recent drop in fuel prices. According to them, some commercial drivers are refusing to reduce their fares, even though fuel prices have gone down — and that, they say, is unfair and exploitative.

Mr. Appiah Kusi Adomako, the West Africa Regional Director for CUTS International, said in a press statement that many Ghanaians are struggling to survive due to the high cost of living. So if fuel prices have dropped and the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has asked for transport fares to be reduced by 15%, then the benefits must reach the ordinary Ghanaian commuter.

“Drivers Must Not Cheat Ghanaians”

“It is only fair,” Mr. Adomako said, “that passengers, many of whom are already burdened with high food prices, rent, school fees, and utility bills, should see some relief. If the price of fuel has gone down, then transport fares must also go down.”

The GPRTU had announced a 15% reduction in transport fares following significant drops in fuel prices across the country. The directive took effect on Saturday, May 24, 2025, and was widely publicised. But reports from different parts of the country show that most commercial drivers have refused to comply. Some of them claim that although fuel prices have dropped, the cost of spare parts, vehicle maintenance, and daily levies are still high, so they cannot reduce fares.

But CUTS International says this excuse is not acceptable. According to them, the refusal of drivers to obey the directive is a betrayal of public trust.

“Transport fares are one of the biggest expenses for millions of Ghanaians every day. Any attempt to suppress a legal fare reduction is simply wrong,” Mr. Adomako stressed.

“Government Must Intervene Immediately”

The consumer rights group has proposed a three-pronged solution to address the matter and protect passengers:

Give MMDA’s Power to Deregister Drivers Who Refuse to Obey
According to CUTS, Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDA’s) already have the authority to register commercial vehicles in their jurisdictions. The government must give them the power to punish drivers who refuse to reduce their fares.

“The local assemblies should be allowed to deregister or ban any driver or transport operator who does not comply with the fare reduction,” Mr. Adomako said.

Compliance Stickers for Honest Drivers

He also suggested that drivers who obey the 15% fare reduction should be given a sticker or sign to place on their vehicles. This will make it easy for passengers and police officers to identify them and also serve as a motivation for other drivers to follow the rules.

Use Campus Buses as Temporary Support

As a short-term solution, CUTS wants government to allow public universities to release their campus shuttle buses to support transport services in areas where drivers are refusing to reduce fares.

“The buses in the universities are just sitting idle when school is not in session. Why don’t we use them to help the ordinary Ghanaian?” Mr. Adomako suggested. “This will help reduce pressure on commuters and force the defiant drivers to do the right thing.”

Long-Term Plans Needed to Strengthen Public Transport

Beyond these immediate actions, CUTS International believes Ghana must start investing heavily in its public transport infrastructure. Mr. Adomako gave examples of cities like London, Berlin, New York, and Seoul, where governments have built strong public transport systems to serve the people efficiently.

He said, “Ghana must retool and strengthen state-run transport services like Ayalolo and Metro Mass Transit (MMT). These services can offer affordable and reliable transportation, and at the same time create competition that will stop private drivers from charging outrageous prices.”

He further recommended the building of special bus lanes in busy urban areas to allow buses to move faster and encourage more people to use them.

A Rational Framework for Setting Fares

One of the key points CUTS made was that even though Ghana has a liberalised transport sector — meaning the government does not control everything — it does not mean government is powerless.

“In the petroleum sector, we have the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) that uses a formula to adjust fuel prices based on world market trends. So why can’t we do the same for transport fares?” Mr. Adomako asked.

He believes that a proper formula, agreed upon by government, transport unions, and consumer groups, can be used to increase or reduce fares anytime fuel prices change. This will bring fairness and transparency into the transport system and reduce confusion among the public.

Why the Public Is Angry

Across the country, many passengers are expressing anger and disappointment over the refusal of drivers to reduce their fares. In Accra, some passengers at Kwame Nkrumah Circle said they were still being charged the same amount they used to pay weeks ago, even though petrol prices have fallen.

“I paid GH¢10 from Madina to Accra last week. Today, I still paid GH¢10,” a frustrated commuter, Lydia Asante, said. “So what is the point of the fuel price drop if nothing changes for us?”

Others also complained that some drivers were even arguing with passengers when they asked for reduced fares.

“I asked the driver why the fare hasn’t changed. He shouted at me and said if I can’t pay, I should get down,” another commuter narrated.

The Role of Government and Regulators

CUTS International is urging the Ministry of Transport, the GPRTU, and the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council to act fast. They want strong enforcement and sanctions against drivers who continue to cheat the public.

They are also calling on Parliament’s Transport Committee to look into the matter and pass regulations that will support fare transparency and protect passengers’ rights.

“We cannot continue like this,” Mr. Adomako warned. “We need consumer-focused transport reforms that promote affordability, fairness, and safety.”

Conclusion: Time for Action

The advocacy group says that with rising unemployment, high inflation, and economic hardship, the government must protect ordinary Ghanaians from any form of exploitation. Transport, they say, is a basic need, and efforts must be made to make it more accessible and affordable.

“It is time for bold action. The people are watching. We must not let them down,” Mr. Adomako concluded.