The Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association has rejected claims that rising spare parts prices contributed to the 30 per cent increase in transport fares proposed by commercial transport operators.
The Association described claims by the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC) and the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) as “false and misleading”, insisting that spare parts prices have not increased significantly enough to justify the fare adjustment.
According to the dealers, prices of key vehicle components, including engine oil and filters, have remained unchanged. They added that stock levels at the Abossey Okai spare parts market are also stable.
The Association further said there had been no significant changes in import duties or market conditions that could explain higher transportation costs based on spare parts prices.
It accused commercial transport operators of using the proposed fare increase to pressure the government and, in its words, “extort money from ordinary Ghanaians”, describing them as “road robbers”.
The dealers also questioned why Abossey Okai had been cited as a source of increased vehicle maintenance costs, noting that some commercial transport operators have themselves said they purchase spare parts online rather than from dealers at the market.
The Association is therefore calling for greater transparency in discussions over transport fare adjustments. It insists that any proposed increase should be based on “verifiable economic indicators”.
The dispute follows a decision by the GPRTU and other transport stakeholders to propose a 30 per cent increase in transport fares.
The GPRTU has attributed the proposed adjustment to rising operational costs, including spare parts, lubricants, insurance and other expenses involved in operating commercial vehicles.
The union has also said the increase is necessary despite a government intervention that reduced the impact of rising diesel prices by absorbing GH¢2 per litre.
The proposed fare increase is still subject to discussions and negotiations with relevant stakeholders before a final decision is reached.
Against this background, the Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association is urging government regulators, transport unions and other stakeholders to rely on independently verifiable economic data when determining whether a fare increase is justified.
The Association said this would help ensure that any adjustment reflects actual changes in operating costs rather than what it described as unfounded claims about spare parts prices.
