COPEC Champions Data-Driven Public Transport Fares in Ghana
The Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) is advocating for a transformative shift in how public transport fares are determined across Ghana. Moving away from the long-standing practice of direct negotiations between government representatives and transport unions, COPEC is urging the adoption of a robust, scientific methodology. This push comes amidst growing concerns over the current system’s lack of transparency and predictability, which often leads to contentious fare adjustments.
Embracing Transparency Through Scientific Fare Calculations
This call for change by COPEC follows a recent proposal from the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC) to implement a significant 20% increase in public transport fares. The GRTCC justified this proposed hike by citing the persistent high prices of essential goods, services, and spare parts, noting that these costs have not decreased even after a 15% reduction in transport fares was applied just a few months prior, in May. COPEC’s Executive Secretary, Duncan Amoah, emphasized to Citi Business News that Ghana’s existing fare adjustment mechanism is outdated and no longer fit for purpose. He strongly advocates for a system where fare changes are rooted in clear, verifiable calculations. Amoah suggested that a more appropriate method would involve precisely determining the cost of fuel per litre per kilometer, with such crucial data then being made fully transparent and publicly accessible. “Public transport fares should be scientifically driven, not based on whims and wishes,” Amoah asserted, drawing a parallel to the petroleum sector where specific cost parameters, like the cost per litre per kilometer, are already ascertainable. This data-centric approach aims to eliminate subjectivity and foster a more equitable and understandable pricing structure for commuters and transport operators alike.
COPEC’s vision for a scientifically determined fare system promises greater stability and fairness for all stakeholders in Ghana’s transport sector. By moving towards a model grounded in objective data and transparent calculations, rather than arbitrary negotiations or economic sentiments, Ghana can establish a more predictable and sustainable framework for public transport pricing. This initiative highlights a critical need for modernization in public service pricing, ensuring that adjustments are logical, justifiable, and understood by the public.
Keywords
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