Transport Unions Suspend Planned 30% Fare Increase After Talks with Government
Commercial transport operators in Ghana have decided not to go ahead with their planned 30% increase in transport fares following a meeting with the Ministry of Transport.
The meeting focused on the rising cost of fuel and other expenses that transport operators face every day. Union leaders explained that increasing fuel prices have made it more expensive for drivers to run their businesses.
Speaking to Citi News, Samuel Amoah, the Deputy Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), said the union shared its concerns with government officials during the meeting. According to him, the Ministry assured the union that it is taking steps to help reduce fuel prices.
Amoah said the union's main request was for the government to find ways to lower fuel prices so drivers would not have to pass the extra costs on to passengers. He added that government officials promised they were working on measures to bring fuel prices down.
After lengthy discussions, both sides agreed that the proposed 30% transport fare increase should be suspended for now. The union believes it is best to wait and see whether fuel prices will improve before making any decision on new fares.
However, Amoah warned that transport operators are still concerned about future fuel price changes. He said the union's own assessment suggests fuel prices could rise again during the next fuel pricing window.
He explained that if fuel prices increase again, transport unions may return to discussions with the government because many drivers would struggle to cope with the higher operating costs.
The transport unions had earlier announced plans to increase fares before the next petroleum products pricing review scheduled for Friday, July 31, 2026. For now, passengers can expect transport fares to remain unchanged while the government works on measures to address fuel prices.