The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) says it has begun emergency engagements with the Ministry of Transport following the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council’s (GRTCC) announcement of a 20 per cent increase in public transport fares, effective Friday, August 8, 2025.
GRTCC explained that efforts to meet with the sector minister were thwarted, compelling them to announce the new fares.
But, Public Relations Officer of the GPRTU, Mr. Samuel Amoah, expressed surprise over the fare adjustment, insisting that his union was neither consulted nor involved in the decision-making process.
“What we are doing now is that the leadership of GPRTU is engaging the Transport Ministry, because we normally don’t just come out with a transport fare increment,” Mr. Amoah stated.
He explained that traditionally, fare adjustments are made in collaboration between GPRTU and GRTCC, with formal approval from the Ministry. However, that procedure appears to have been sidestepped this time.
“Even today, the leadership was trying to get in touch with the Transport Ministry, but it couldn’t hold. So I believe by tomorrow, the leadership of GPRTU is meeting the Transport Ministry to talk about this,” he added.
Confusion looms over fare enforcement
Mr. Amoah warned that the unilateral implementation of new fares by one group of operators could result in widespread confusion across the country’s transport system.
“Because the drivers and the passengers out there don’t know which vehicle belongs to the GRTCC and which belongs to the GPRTU… it will bring a lot of confusion,” he cautioned.
He urged the Ministry to intervene swiftly to prevent disorder at transport terminals and among commuters.
GRTCC justifies the increase
In a joint statement signed by its General Secretary, Emmanuel Ohene-Yeboah, and Acting National Chairman, Alhaji Tanko, the GRTCC justified the 20 per cent fare hike, citing increased operational costs that have become unsustainable.
The Council pointed to three major factors driving the decision:
Non-reduction in spare parts prices
Following a 15% fare reduction in May 2025, transport operators say there has been no corresponding drop in the cost of spare parts and related goods and services.
New fuel levy
The imposition of a GH¢1.00 per litre levy on fuel has led to an 8% rise in pump prices, directly inflating daily running costs for drivers.
Worsening road conditions
Poor road infrastructure across the country has increased maintenance expenses for vehicle owners, compounding their financial difficulties.
Fare hike to affect all transport modes
According to the directive, the 20% increase will apply across all categories of public transport — including intra-city trotro services, shared taxis, long-distance intercity buses, and cargo haulage vehicles.
“All commercial transport operators and companies are to comply with the new fares and visibly post them at their loading terminals,” the GRTCC statement emphasised.
The Council also called on the public to cooperate with the new fare regime, describing the adjustment as necessary for the sustainability of the sector.
Background and context
The last fare review occurred on May 21, 2025, when transport fares were reduced by 15 per cent in response to falling fuel prices and government policy support.
However, developments since then — especially the introduction of the fuel levy and continued inflationary pressure — have prompted operators to seek a reversal.
Industry observers warn that without improvements in road infrastructure and a review of operational taxes, fare hikes may become more frequent, with ripple effects across the economy.
Transport experts say Ghana’s public transport system risks instability if coordination among key stakeholders breaks down. They urge a more transparent and unified fare-setting process involving both GPRTU and GRTCC under the oversight of the Ministry of Transport.
Meanwhile, commuters are bracing for steeper transportation costs beginning Friday, pending any resolution from ongoing discussions between the Ministry and the GPRTU.
