A proposed 20% increase in public transport fares, set to take effect from Friday, August 8, 2025, has sparked controversy, with the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) distancing itself from the announcement.
The fare hike was announced in a statement issued by the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC) in collaboration with several transport unions, in line with the Administrative Arrangement on Public Transport Fares.
According to the GRTCC, the increment has become necessary due to rising operational costs affecting transport service providers. These include:
- No Relief from Earlier Fare Cuts: Despite a 15% reduction in fares in May 2025, operators say the cost of spare parts and services remains high, offering no financial relief.
- Fuel Levy Impact: A newly introduced GH¢1.00 per litre fuel levy has pushed fuel prices up by about 8%, significantly increasing operating costs.
- Worsening Road Conditions: Deteriorating road infrastructure continues to drive up vehicle maintenance costs.
The GRTCC stated that the 20% increase will apply to all categories of commercial transport, including shared taxis, intra-city “trotro” services, long-distance intercity transport, and haulage operations. It also directed all commercial transport operators to visibly display the new fares at their loading terminals.
However, the GPRTU has publicly dissociated itself from the directive. Speaking on the GTV Breakfast Show, the Union’s Public Relations Officer, Alhaji Abbas Imoro, made it clear that the GPRTU was neither consulted nor involved in drafting the statement announcing the fare increase.
The GPRTU is expected to hold a crunch meeting to deliberate on the issue and possibly issue a formal response.
