Attributing 30% hikes in transport fare to rising spare parts prices false- Abossey Okai dealers

The Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association has rejected claims that rising spare parts prices contributed to the recently announced 30 percent increase in transport fares. The Association described the explanation offered by the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC) and the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) as false and misleading, arguing that there has been no significant increase in the prices of spare parts to warrant the fare adjustment.

Dealers Deny Increase in Spare Parts Prices

In a statement, the Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association said prevailing market conditions did not support claims that spare parts had become more expensive. According to the Association, there have been no significant changes in import duties or other market conditions that could justify the claim.

It said stock levels at the Abossey Okai spare parts hub remain stable, while prices of essential automotive components, including engine oil and filters, have also remained unchanged.

‘They Are Road Robbers’

The dealers expressed strong concern over what they described as attempts by commercial transport operators to use spare parts prices as justification for increasing fares.

“They are road robbers,” the Association said, accusing the transport operators of using the fare increase to put pressure on the government and impose additional financial burdens on ordinary Ghanaians.

The Association maintained that linking the transport fare increase to spare parts prices was inaccurate and could mislead the public about the actual factors influencing transport costs.

Operators’ Online Purchases Questioned

The spare parts dealers also questioned the basis for associating the fare increase with the Abossey Okai market. According to the Association, commercial transport operators themselves have indicated that they purchase spare parts online rather than directly from dealers at Abossey Okai.

It therefore questioned why prices at the spare parts hub should be cited as a factor behind the new transport fares.

Call for Transparency in Fare Adjustments

The Association called on driver and transport associations to base any future fare adjustments on verifiable economic indicators rather than what it described as unfounded allegations.

It further urged greater transparency in discussions surrounding transport fares, saying government regulators, transport unions and other relevant stakeholders should all be involved in the process.

According to the dealers, such an approach would help ensure that fare decisions are fair and accurately reflect prevailing economic conditions.

Public Urged to Disregard Claims

The Association urged transport users and the general public to disregard claims linking the 30 per cent fare increase to increases in spare parts prices. It reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and accuracy in matters affecting Ghana’s transportation and automotive spare parts industries.

Enquiries concerning the Association’s position were directed to its Director of Communications, Takyi Addo.