Commercial transport operators across Ghana have commended government for the recent reduction in diesel prices, describing the move as timely and critical to easing operational pressures within the sector.
In a statement issued on April 15, the operators praised President John Dramani Mahama, the Minister for Transport Joseph Bukari Nikpe, and Edudzi Tamakloe of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) for their roles in achieving what they described as a significant reduction of GH₵9.00 in diesel prices.
According to the operators, the intervention comes at a crucial time when rising fuel costs had severely impacted their businesses. They noted that the surge in petroleum prices in recent months had increased operational expenses, including vehicle maintenance and spare parts, with the burden ultimately passed on to commuters.
The group acknowledged that the price reduction reflects deliberate policy direction and effective stakeholder engagement, adding that it demonstrates government’s commitment to cushioning citizens against global economic pressures.
They further indicated that the reduction is expected to stabilize transport fares and bring relief to households, pledging to ensure that the benefits are reflected in their operations.
Despite the commendation, the operators appealed to government to sustain the downward trend in fuel prices and address other persistent challenges within the sector. These include the high cost of spare parts, expensive insurance premiums, and poor road conditions across major transport routes.
Among their key recommendations, the operators called for regular engagement between authorities and transport unions to assess the impact of fuel prices, as well as policy interventions such as tax relief on essential vehicle components and accelerated road maintenance.
The statement emphasized that continued collaboration between government and industry players would be essential to strengthening the transport sector and enhancing its contribution to national development.
