The Ghana Private Road and Transport Union (GPRTU) has rejected the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council’s (GRTCC) announcement of a 20% increase in transport fares, describing the move as a unilateral decision that flouts established procedures.
Speaking in an interview on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, GPRTU Public Relations Officer Samuel Amoah expressed deep surprise at the announcement, stating that his union was neither informed nor involved in any discussions with the GRTCC regarding a fare adjustment.
“We were shocked to receive the GRTCC’s communique about a 20% fare increment taking effect this Friday, August 8. This decision is news to us—we were not consulted, and we are not part of any agreement,” Amoah said.
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According to Mr. Amoah, such decisions are traditionally taken through a joint deliberation involving the GPRTU, GRTCC, and the Ministry of Transport, followed by a formal consensus and joint statement.
He said, “This has never happened before. Fare increases are always agreed upon through stakeholder meetings. The GRTCC acting alone is completely out of line.”
Mr. Amoah revealed that GPRTU leadership is urgently seeking a meeting with the Transport Ministry and the GRTCC before the proposed increment takes effect. He emphasised that without government involvement and stakeholder consensus, the fare hike lacks legitimacy.
Meanwhile, the GRTCC maintains that the 20% increase is necessary due to pressing economic factors, including:
- The failure of a previous 15% fare reduction (implemented on May 21, 2025) to influence the prices of spare parts and services
- A new GH¢1.00 per litre fuel levy, resulting in an estimated 8% fuel price hike
- Rising vehicle maintenance costs driven by worsening road conditions
The Council has instructed all commercial transport operators to comply with the fare increase and to display the new prices visibly at loading terminals nationwide.
However, GPRTU insists it is working swiftly to address what it sees as a breach of protocol and a disservice to passengers and transport operators alike.