Oti GPRTU rejects 8% fare increment, insists on 30%

The Nkwanta South branch of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has refused the government's recently approved 8% increase in transport fares. Instead, the union is demanding a 30% adjustment. This was revealed by the union's branch chairman, Safianu Muniru, speaking to Adom News. Muniru explained that commercial drivers believe a higher fare increase is necessary to account for the rising costs of fuel, spare parts, and vehicle maintenance.

The new fare structure, which has been agreed upon with the GPRTU and the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC), will be implemented from Saturday, September 26, 2026. The fare revision followed discussions between the Ministry of Transport and commercial road transport operators from September 8 to 22. According to the ministry, this decision took into account fluctuations in the prices of petroleum products, spare parts, vehicle maintenance, and other operational costs.

The parties also acknowledged the financial hardships faced by drivers, commuters, and the general public in light of these cost changes before agreeing on the new fare adjustment. However, Safianu Muniru believes that a 30% increase would provide better relief to drivers and improve their working conditions. Some commercial drivers have also supported this call, urging for further negotiations to determine a fare adjustment that accounts for the financial pressures faced by drivers and vehicle owners. Talks on the fare hike are set to resume on Tuesday.