Public transport fares to increase by 8% from September 26

Starting on September 26, public transport fares in Ghana will rise by 8%, as announced following discussions between transport unions and the government. This fare increase comes after weeks of negotiations between the Ministry of Transport and public transport operators to adjust rates for the 2026 fare window. Both the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC) had initially proposed the fare hike, citing rising operational costs.

During their first meeting with the Ministry on September 8, the unions suggested a fare increase, while the government presented measures, including a GH¢2 per litre intervention on diesel, aimed at supporting transport operators and passengers. A joint team, consisting of the Ministry, GPRTU, and GRTCC, worked on reviewing cost inputs before reaching a final decision.

The unions had advised drivers and transport operators not to charge more than the approved rates during the ongoing consultations. As of September 16, the GPRTU and the Progressive Transport Owners’ Association (PROTOA) had not yet announced an official fare increase. With the new agreement, commuters can expect to start paying the revised fares from September 26.

This adjustment is set to impact shared taxis, trotros, and other commercial public transport services, with the revised rates to be applied based on the agreement reached by all stakeholders. The fare review was prompted by transport operators' concerns about the increasing costs of vehicle maintenance, spare parts, and other operational expenses.

Earlier talks aimed to find a balance between these costs and the potential impact of higher fares on passengers.