Transport fares: GPRTU, GRTCC suspend proposed hike pending review

By: Hubeyidatu Mumuni
The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC) have suspended any immediate increase in public transport fares as consultations with the Ministry of Transport continue.

The two transport bodies said although they have submitted a proposal for an upward review of fares, no decision has yet been taken on increasing the current approved rates.

The development follows a meeting between the leadership of the GPRTU, GRTCC and the Minister for Transport and his technical team in Accra on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.

According to the unions, the meeting formed part of ongoing consultations on the review of public transport fares for the 2026 fare window.

“At the meeting, the Unions presented a proposal for an upward review of public transport fares,” the statement said.

The government, meanwhile, briefed the unions on prevailing macroeconomic conditions and measures being implemented to stabilise the Ghana cedi, including the GH¢2.00 per litre intervention on diesel prices.

The intervention is intended to cushion transport operators and the travelling public against the impact of fuel costs.

The unions said both parties acknowledged the importance of the intervention but agreed that further assessment was necessary before any fare adjustment could be considered.

“Both parties acknowledged the value of the fuel intervention and agreed that its full impact on operating costs, together with the proposal for fare increment, requires further engagement before any determination is made on fares,” the statement noted.

They stressed that “no decision to adjust transport fares has been taken,” assuring commuters that the existing fares remain valid.

To facilitate the review, a team comprising representatives from the Ministry of Transport, the GPRTU and the GRTCC has been constituted to examine the various cost inputs affecting public transport operations.

“The outcome of this exercise will be communicated to the general public in due course,” the unions said.

The GPRTU and GRTCC further urged transport operators not to charge passengers increased fares while the review is ongoing.

“We therefore urge all our members, drivers, station masters and transport owners to maintain the current approved fares until further notice,” they stated.

They also appealed to commuters and transport operators to remain calm and cooperate with the process.

“We further urge all drivers, station masters, transport owners and the travelling public to remain calm, orderly and cooperative as the process runs its full course,” the statement added.

The release was signed by Godfred Abulbire, General Secretary of the GPRTU of TUC, Ghana, and Emmanuel Ohene Yeboah, General Secretary of the GRTCC.