No fare cuts for Uber, Bolt, Yango users
Commuters relying on ride-hailing services in Ghana should not expect fare reductions anytime soon, according to the Ghana Online Drivers Union (ODU).
Despite the recent appreciation of the cedi and falling fuel prices, operators of platforms like Uber, Bolt, and Yango say they are not in a position to cut fares.
This development comes on the heels of a 15% fare reduction announced by the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) for public transport services.
However, the Online Drivers Union says the reduction does not apply to ride-hailing platforms, citing a lack of consultation and formal recognition.
Speaking to CitiNewsroom, ODU President Francis Tengey said the union was excluded from negotiations between the GPRTU and the Ministry of Transport. As a result, the directive to lower fares does not reflect the reality of the ride-hailing sector.
“What the GPRTU did does not include us because we have not been consulted. We are not part of them. We have a union, but our union is not recognised by the GPRTU or the Trade Union Congress (TUC),” he said.
Tengey noted that although ODU has applied for TUC affiliation since 2021, the process remains incomplete, leaving ride-hailing drivers without official representation in major transport policy discussions.
While public transport fares are set to decline, ride-hailing prices remain unchanged, frustrating commuters who feel overlooked despite broader economic improvements.
Tengey also defended the fare structure, citing high vehicle maintenance costs and ongoing fuel price volatility.
“Uber, Bolt, and Yango do not recognise the GPRTU, so its decisions do not affect us,” he explained. “As unions and drivers’ representatives, we were not part of the meeting that decided the 15% reduction. So our customers cannot enjoy that reduction.”
The union is now calling on the government to urgently regulate the ride-hailing sector and formally recognise the Ghana Online Drivers Union.
Tengey urged the Ministries of Transport and Employment to intervene, stressing that recognition would allow the union to advocate for both drivers and riders.
“We are pleading with the government through the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Youth and Employment to come together to regulate the sector and recognise the union,” he said.
“Once we’re recognised, fare-related decisions can come directly from us.”
Consumer advocacy group CUTS International is also supporting the call for change. The organisation argues that Ghanaians should benefit from positive economic indicators such as currency gains and falling fuel prices.
They are urging local authorities to hold transport operators accountable and enforce price adjustments when appropriate.
NAD/MA