Passengers are bleeding while fuel prices drop - CUTS demands sanctions for non-compliant drivers

Consumer advocacy group CUTS International is urging the government to act. They want Ghanaians to benefit from recent fuel price cuts.

The group criticizes some commercial drivers for not lowering fares. The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) announced a 15% fare reduction. CUTS calls this refusal exploitative and demands punishment.

“Fuel prices have dropped significantly,” said Appiah Kusi Adomako, West Africa Regional Director of CUTS. “Passengers should see these benefits in their transport costs.”

The fare reduction took effect on Saturday, May 24, 2025. However, many drivers and unions have ignored it due to unrelated costs. CUTS condemns this resistance as a betrayal of public trust.

“Transport fares are a major expense for millions of Ghanaians,” Mr. Adomako stated. “Suppressing legitimate fare reductions is unacceptable.”

CUTS proposes a three-part approach to restore order in transport and protect passengers. First, they want the government to empower local assemblies to deregister non-compliant drivers.

“MMDAs can register and license vehicles,” Adomako explained. “They should also revoke registrations of drivers who refuse new fares.”

He suggests issuing visible compliance stickers for compliant drivers. This would help police identify those exploiting commuters.

As an emergency measure, CUTS wants public universities to use idle campus buses on affected routes. “This would support commuters and pressure defiant operators,” Mr. Adomako noted.

Beyond immediate solutions, CUTS calls for long-term investment in public transport infrastructure. “Cities like London and New York thrive because of government investment,” he argued.

He advocates retooling Ayalolo and Metro Mass Transit (MMT). Dedicated bus lanes could improve service reliability too.

“A strong state-run transport system fosters competition and quality service,” he added.

Mr. Adomako emphasized that Ghana's liberalized market does not mean the government lacks power. “We need a framework for adjusting transport fares with fuel price changes.”

“We require consumer-focused reforms that ensure affordability, fairness, and safety,” he concluded. “Now is the time for action.”