Transport fares to go up 8% from Saturday

Starting from Saturday, September 26, 2026, transportation fares in Ghana are set to rise by 8% due to a recent agreement between the government and transport operators. This decision emerged after months of discussions between the Ministry of Transport and significant transport unions, namely the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC).

The unions had advocated for a fare increase, highlighting the escalating operational costs faced by commercial transport operators. Initial talks between the parties on September 8 saw the unions presenting their proposals, while the government outlined measures to support operators and passengers, such as a reduction of GH¢2 per litre of diesel.

A joint technical team, consisting of representatives from the Ministry of Transport, GPRTU, and GRTCC, was subsequently formed to evaluate the different cost factors and propose a suitable fare adjustment. Throughout the consultations, various stakeholders urged transport operators to continue charging the existing fares until an official decision was made.

As of September 16, both the GPRTU and the Progressive Transport Owners’ Association (PROTOA) affirmed that no new fare adjustments had been officially approved. With the completion of the agreement, passengers can anticipate paying the revised fares from September 26. The 8% increase will be applicable to commercial public transport services, including trotros and shared taxis.

Transport operators are expected to implement the new fare structure according to the agreed terms. This fare review comes in response to concerns raised by transport operators regarding the growing expenses associated with vehicle maintenance, spare parts, fuel, and other operational costs. The primary goal was to strike a balance between the rising costs of operating commercial transport services and the financial strain on commuters.