Transport Tension: GPRTU Disowns Announced 20% Fare Hike
A storm is brewing in Ghana’s transport sector, as the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has distanced itself from a 20% hike in public transport fares announced by the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC), scheduled to take effect this Friday, August 8, 2025.
GPRTU says it was blindsided by the announcement and insists it had no hand in the decision.
“We were a bit surprised when we saw the communique,” said Samuel Amoah, Public Relations Officer of the GPRTU, during a press briefing on Tuesday, August 5. “We were not consulted. We had no idea about this increment.”
Fare Hikes Typically a Joint Decision
According to Mr. Amoah, fare adjustments have always been a collaborative effort involving the GPRTU, the GRTCC, and the Ministry of Transport. These discussions traditionally culminate in a unified public announcement.
“This has been the norm,” he emphasized. “Anytime there has to be an increment, the three parties agree and issue a joint statement. This time around, nothing of that sort happened.”
When asked if any informal consultations had taken place, Amoah firmly denied it. “It’s very new to us. We are not part of whatever agreement they had.”
GRTCC Defends Its Move
Meanwhile, the GRTCC is standing by the fare hike. In a statement jointly signed by General Secretary Emmanuel Ohene-Yeboah and acting National Chairman Alhaji Tanko, the Council cited three critical challenges behind the decision:
1. No Reduction in Input Costs: Operators have yet to feel relief from the 15% fare cut implemented in May, as spare parts and other inputs remain expensive.
2. Fuel Levy Impact: A new GH₵1.00 per litre fuel levy has pushed fuel prices up by around 8%, inflating operational costs.
3. Poor Road Conditions: Worsening roads are driving up maintenance expenses for vehicle owners and drivers.
The GRTCC added that the decision was made under the Administrative Arrangement on Public Transport Fares and followed consultations with “some transport unions.”
A Rift in the Ranks?
GPRTU’s rejection of the fare hike process, however, paints a picture of disunity within the transport sector. While the GRTCC claims stakeholder engagement, GPRTU’s public denial raises red flags about internal coordination and transparency.
As the August 8 implementation date nears, passengers and drivers alike are left wondering whose word will hold—and whether the new fare increase will go ahead without full sectoral consensus.
