Demand for Fair Transport Fares & Reciprocal Accountability
To the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU),
We, the youth and citizens of this nation, write to you not just as passengers, but as partners who stood firmly with your union during past fare hikes. Today, we call for reciprocity: reduce transport fares now, and reject the flawed argument that “other costs remain high.”
- Reciprocity Is Justice
When you justified fare increases by citing rising fuel prices, inflation, and operational costs, we empathized and accepted the burden. Now, as global fuel prices fluctuate downward and spare parts import costs stabilize, we demand the same logic apply in reverse. If you raised fares when costs rose, you must lower them when costs fall. To do otherwise betrays public trust and exploits the very people who sustained your operations. - The Economic Ripple Effect Starts with Transport
Your claim that “other costs haven’t been reduced” ignores a basic truth: transportation is the backbone of pricing for all goods and services. If fares drop:
- Food prices will follow, as traders pay less to transport goods.
- Fuel demand may stabilize, easing pressure on prices.
- Informal sector workers (market vendors, artisans) will regain disposable income to reinvest in the economy.
Yes, these changes take time—but they start with your action. Delaying fare reductions prolongs unnecessary suffering for millions.
- Address GPRTU’s Concerns—Transparently
We acknowledge your operational challenges. To rebuild trust:
- Publish a fare breakdown: Show citizens what percentage of fares cover fuel, maintenance, profits, or taxes. Transparency will clarify whether your refusal to reduce fares is justified or exploitative.
- Collaborate with regulators: Lobby the government to reduce taxes on imported spare parts or fuel subsidies to offset costs. We will support joint advocacy for systemic reforms.
- Phase reductions gradually: If immediate cuts are unsustainable, propose a timeline tied to falling input costs (e.g., “Fares will drop 10% if fuel prices decrease by X%”).
- We Reject Political Games
To dismiss this demand as “unrealistic” or “political” insults the intelligence of citizens.
Transport is not a luxury
it is a lifeline. If you insist on maintaining fares while costs fall, we will:
a) Mobilize nationwide campaigns with student unions, worker coalitions, and consumer rights groups.
Explore alternatives (e.g., ride-sharing cooperatives, public transit expansion) to break monopolies.
Our Call to Action:
a) . Reduce fares within 14 days, with a public cost-benefit justification.
b) Meet with youth representatives and regulators to negotiate a fair pricing framework.
We defended your right to fair profits; now defend our right to fair prices. The time for excuses is over.
Courage Kobla Atatsi✍️
A Concern Youth of Ghana 🇬🇭
