The expected increase in fuel prices could further raise transportation costs for farmers and commuters in rural communities, particularly those who travel long distances to access their farms and other essential services, Member of Parliament for Afigya Kwabre North, Collins Adomako-Mensah, has warned.
The MP, who is also Deputy Ranking Member of Parliament’s Energy Committee, said the situation could have a significant impact on residents in his constituency, where a large portion of the population depends on cocoa farming for their livelihoods.
Speaking in an interview on Monday, August 31, 2026, Adomako-Mensah explained that many residents already pay high transport fares because there are limited direct transport services connecting communities in the district to Kumasi.
According to him, some commuters are forced to use multiple vehicles to reach their destinations, resulting in separate fares for each part of their journey.
His comments come after the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC) projected an increase in fuel prices from September 1, with petrol expected to rise by 4.80% and diesel by 2.10%.
Adomako-Mensah said the increase would also affect farmers who travel several kilometres from their homes to reach their farms.
“Most of the farms are about 15, 16, 20 kilometres away from the centre. Some of them walk, just as happens in other rural areas. Others also have to get transportation,” he said.
He noted that farmers who rely on vehicles and tricycles to transport themselves, farm inputs and produce would have to spend more if fuel prices rise.
“Unfortunately, all these machines move with fuel, and it’s going to cause an increase in the prices,” he added.
The MP said the new prices could deepen the financial difficulties faced by residents who are already dealing with high transportation costs and other economic challenges.
He expressed concern that commuters and farmers would bear the greatest burden because they have limited alternatives to fuel-powered transport.
“I’m sure I’m going to feel the brunt because, of course, I have to fill my tank. But my constituents are really, really going to suffer,” he said.
