Public transport operators have agreed to reduce transport fares by 10 percent beginning August 1, 2020.
This follows the decision of the government to relax the COVID-19 restrictions and allow public transports to load at full capacity.
Following the directive from the Presidency for transport operators to load at full capacity, the leadership of various transport unions met on Monday, July 27, 2020, and agreed on the reduction.
They have consequently agreed to issue a communique to all member transport unions for them to implement the 10 percent reduction by Saturday, August 1, 2020.
The National Chairman of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), Mr Kwame Kuma made this known. He appealed to all drivers to comply with the new arrangement.
Transport fares were recently adjusted by 15 percent following a justification by transport operators that they were making losses because apart from fuel price increases, the COVID-19 social distancing protocol restricted them from loading at full capacity.
Following an agreement between the government and transport operators in respect of the reduction of the number of passengers allowed in public transport in line with social distancing protocols, fares were increased by 15 percent on July 11, 2020.
The transport operators had proposed an increment of 50 percent with the explanation that they were making losses but the 50 percent was rejected.
President Akufo-Addo last Sunday, announced further easing of COVID-19 restrictions covering congregational worshipping, entertainment sites, transport operations and football activities.

Following that there were public calls for a reduction in transport fares following the government’s decision to relax the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) restrictions and allow public transports to load their full capacity.
The Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) for instance was at the forefront calling on commercial transport operators to reduce their fares immediately as they return to their normal loading capacity.
The announcement of the reduction by transport fares from August 1, 2020 has since been welcomed by the public.