The Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association has rejected claims that rising spare parts prices are partly responsible for the proposed 30% increase in transport fares.
The Association described the claim by the Ghana Road and Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC) and the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) as false and misleading, insisting that spare parts prices have not increased to a level that could justify the proposed fare adjustment.
In a statement, the dealers said there had been no significant changes in spare parts prices, import duties or market conditions that would support the argument that higher vehicle maintenance costs were driving the proposed fare increase.
They added that stock levels at the Abossey Okai spare parts hub remain stable, while prices of key vehicle components, including engine oil and filters, have also remained unchanged.
The Association further questioned why transport operators were linking the proposed fare increase to spare parts sold at Abossey Okai, noting that some commercial transport operators had previously indicated that they purchase spare parts online rather than from dealers at the hub.
According to the dealers, using spare parts prices as a justification for higher fares was therefore unfounded.
The Association also accused commercial transport operators of using fare increases to put pressure on the government and pass additional costs on to ordinary Ghanaians.
It called on driver and transport unions to base any decision to increase fares on clear and verifiable economic indicators rather than claims that cannot be supported by current market conditions.
The dealers also urged that discussions on transport fare adjustments be conducted transparently, with all relevant stakeholders, including government regulators, transport unions and other industry players, involved in the process.
The Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association said it remains committed to supporting Ghana’s automotive sector and promoting accurate information on issues affecting spare parts prices and transportation costs.
It urged the public and transport users to disregard what it described as misleading claims linking the proposed 30% fare increase to rising spare parts prices.
