Passengers in parts of Kumasi are protesting a sudden increase in transport fares, with some commercial operators raising charges by as much as 23 percent.
The new fares, which took effect on Monday, have affected a number of routes across the Ashanti Regional capital, leaving many commuters unhappy about the additional cost of daily travel.
On the Sofoline-Kronom route, passengers are now paying GH¢8, up from GH¢6.50. The fare from Sofoline to Suame has also risen from GH¢4.50 to GH¢6.
OTEC News Reporter Kwame Agyenim Boateng, who visited some transport terminals on Tuesday, reported that the increases were not limited to the two routes, with several other destinations also recording higher fares.
Commercial drivers have attributed the adjustments to rising operating costs, particularly the prices of fuel and spare parts, as well as other expenses associated with running their vehicles.
The fare increases have, however, sparked frustration among passengers who say they were not given prior notice.
Some commuters are calling on the Transport Ministry to explain how the new fares were introduced without an official announcement.
They have also questioned the decision by commercial transport operators to independently increase fares, describing the move as unilateral and unfair to passengers who rely on public transport for their daily activities.
