Public transport fares across the country are set to rise by 20%, beginning Friday, August 8, 2025. The fare adjustment follows a directive from the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC), issued in collaboration with Transport Unions, in line with the Administrative Arrangement on Public Transport Fares.
The Council explained that the fare adjustment had become necessary due to rising operational costs. It noted that the prices of spare parts, goods, and services have not decreased as anticipated, following a 15 per cent fare reduction implemented on May 21, 2025.
In a statement, the GRTCC outlined three key factors that have necessitated the fare increase:
No Relief from Prior Reductions: Despite a 15% fare reduction implemented on May 21, 2025, transport operators report that there has been no corresponding decrease in the cost of spare parts, vehicle maintenance, and other related goods and services.
Fuel Levy Impact: The recent introduction of a GH¢1.00 per litre fuel levy has resulted in an approximate 8% increase in fuel prices, significantly driving up operating costs for transport providers.
Deteriorating Road Conditions: Worsening road infrastructure nationwide has led to a surge in vehicle maintenance expenses, adding further financial pressure on operators.
The GRTCC and its partners emphasized that while fare adjustments are always a last resort, these developments have made the increase unavoidable in order to sustain transport services and protect the livelihoods of drivers and operators.
The 20% fare increase will apply to all categories of public transport, including shared taxis, intra-city “trotro” services, long-distance intercity buses, and haulage vehicles.
“All commercial transport operators and companies are to comply with the new fares and visibly post them at their loading terminals,” the statement directed.
The Council is appealing to commuters, transport operators, and the general public to cooperate for the smooth implementation of the revised fares.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has distanced itself from the fare adjustment. Speaking in an interview on the GTV Breakfast Show, the Public Relations Officer of the GPRTU, Alhaji Abbas Imoro, stated that the Union is not aware of the proposed increase and was not part of the statement issued by the GRTCC and its partners.
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The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has distanced itself from the fare hike. In a statement signed by its General Secretary, Emmanuel Ohene-Yeboah, the union stated that it was not part of the decision to increase fares.
He acknowledged that while discussions had taken place under the Administrative Arrangement on Public Transport Fares and in consultation with some transport unions, the GPRTU does not support the fare adjustment.
Mr Ohene-Yeboah explained that operators had not witnessed any meaningful reduction in the cost of spare parts and other inputs since the last fare cut, but insisted that any future fare reviews must be agreed upon collectively.
Meanwhile, the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) has also rejected the proposed increase, describing it as unjustified.
COPEC said the timing of the 20 per cent fare hike was poorly considered, given the ongoing economic hardships facing ordinary Ghanaians. It urged transport unions to reconsider the decision in order to cushion the already burdened commuting public.
Read copies of the press statements attached below;
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: GRAPHICONLINE
