Abossey Okai dealers reject spare parts cost as justification for 30% transport fare hike

The Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association has dismissed allegations that the recent 30% rise in transport fares is a result of increased spare parts prices. The group's statement describes the claims by the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council and the Ghana Private Road Transport Union as "false and misleading," denying that spare parts prices have risen significantly.

The association maintains that key vehicle components, such as engine oil and filters, have remained the same, and stock levels at the Abossey Okai market have stayed consistent. They argue that there haven't been any substantial changes in import duties or market dynamics that would explain the higher transportation costs based on spare parts prices.

The association attributes the fare hike to commercial transport operators attempting to pressure the government and "extort money from ordinary Ghanaians," labeling them as "road robbers." They further question the validity of using Abossey Okai as a source for higher maintenance costs, pointing out that some operators claim to buy parts online instead of from local dealers.

The dealers are therefore advocating for greater transparency in discussions about fare adjustments, insisting that any proposed increase should be based on "verifiable economic indicators." This dispute comes after the GPRTU and other transport stakeholders proposed the fare increase, citing rising operational costs, including spare parts, lubricants, insurance, and other vehicle-related expenses.

The GPRTU noted that despite a government intervention that lessened the impact of higher diesel prices by absorbing GH¢2 per litre, the adjustment was still necessary. The proposed fare hike is currently under discussion and negotiation among the relevant stakeholders. The Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association is urging government regulators, transport unions, and other parties to base their decisions on independently verifiable economic data to ensure that fare adjustments reflect true changes in operating costs rather than unsubstantiated claims about spare parts prices.