By: Dr. Ageorgia
VOLTA REGION, Ghana – Tension is brewing on the Juapong–Adidome route as passengers accuse drivers of refusing to reduce transport fares despite the repair of the Aklakpa Bridge and a GH¢2 fuel price reduction ordered by the President.
Passengers: “Fares Went Up to GH¢40, It Should Return to GH¢36”
Travellers who ply the route say they have been overcharged for months.
According to passengers, the initial fare from Juapong to Adidome was GH¢36. But after the Aklakpa Bridge got damaged and vehicles had to use a longer diversion, drivers increased it to GH¢40.
“Now that the bridge has been repaired, and the President has directed NPA to deduct GH¢2 from fuel prices, we expected the fare to return to GH¢36,” a commuter told _The Daily Newsflash_. “But the drivers are still charging GH¢40. It’s not fair.”
Passengers argue that with the diversion gone and fuel cheaper, there is no justification to maintain the GH¢40 rate. They are calling on the GPRTU and transport authorities to intervene and enforce a reduction.
Drivers: “Fuel Is Not Our Only Problem”
The drivers, however, say the situation is more complicated than fuel alone.
Speaking to _The Daily Newsflash_, some drivers said the government has increased fuel prices in the past without a corresponding fare adjustment. They also cited rising costs of spare parts and vehicle maintenance.
“It’s not only fuel that we use,” one driver explained. “Spare parts go up every day. The nature of the road also damages our vehicles. So it’s not that we don’t want to reduce from GH¢40 to GH¢36, but we have other costs too.”
Drivers Welcome Fuel Cut, Ask for More Support
When asked about the President’s directive for the NPA to reduce fuel prices by GH¢2, the drivers said they welcomed the move.
“Yes, the President has done well,” another driver said. “But he should also look at the cost of car parts and do something about it.”
What’s Next
With the bridge restored and fuel prices down, pressure is mounting on transport operators to review fares. Transport analysts note that fare adjustments are supposed to reflect changes in operational costs.
As of now, the Ministry of Transport and GPRTU have not issued a directive on the Juapong–Adidome fares.
Commuters say they will continue to appeal until fares are reduced from GH¢40 back to GH¢36.
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