The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has proposed a 30% increase in public transport fares, citing rising fuel prices and growing operating costs.
The proposed adjustment follows a request by the GPRTU to the Ministry of Transport to review existing public transport fares.
Deputy Industrial and Public Relations Officer of the GPRTU, Samuel Amoah, disclosed the proposed 30% increase in an interview on the Channel One Newsroom on Thursday, September 3, 2026.
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Mr Amoah explained that the proposed increase was driven by higher costs of fuel, spare parts, lubricants, insurance and taxes.
He said the union had initially proposed a 30% transport fare increase in August, but suspended the move following an appeal from the government.
According to the GPRTU, the cost of operating commercial vehicles has continued to rise, making it increasingly difficult for drivers to maintain existing fares without incurring losses.
Mr Amoah acknowledged the government’s decision to absorb GH¢2 per litre of diesel as part of an intervention aimed at easing pressure on transport operators.
However, he said the measure had not reduced fuel prices sufficiently to eliminate the need for a review of public transport fares.
He argued that the current fuel price remains above the level required for operators to continue charging existing fares without making losses.
“If we don’t come out with any increment, the drivers will still be running at a loss,” he said.
The GPRTU official stressed that the 30% proposed increase is not final and remains subject to negotiations with the government.
He said the figure could be reduced depending on the outcome of discussions with the Ministry of Transport and changes in fuel prices and other operating costs.
“It’s likely it might come down. But for the increment not to happen, they would have to reduce the fuel price and the other components before we decide not to increase the fares,” Mr Amoah stated.
Despite the possibility of negotiating the proposed 30% increase downward, the GPRTU indicated that some adjustment to public transport fares was likely.
The union’s position means commuters could face higher transport costs if the proposed fare review is approved.
However, the 30% figure remains a proposal, and the final percentage will depend on negotiations between the GPRTU and the government.
The development comes amid continued concerns over the impact of fuel prices and other operational expenses on commercial transport operators across Ghana.