Commuters across Ghana will pay more for public transport from Tuesday, June 2, 2026, after the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and allied commercial transport operators announced a 20 percent increase in fares nationwide.
The transport unions said the adjustment had become unavoidable due to sustained increases in fuel prices and the rising cost of maintaining vehicles amid difficult operating conditions.
In a statement issued on Saturday, May 30, the operators explained that mounting expenses for vehicle owners and drivers had made it increasingly difficult to remain profitable while maintaining safe and reliable services.
“These rising operational costs have made it difficult for drivers and vehicle owners to maintain vehicles and remain in business,” the statement noted.
Fuel and Spare Parts Costs Drive Adjustment
According to the transport operators, the fare increase was influenced not only by fuel price movements but also by steep increases in essential vehicle inputs.
They cited higher costs of tyres, engine oil, batteries and other spare parts as major contributors to the financial pressure facing the sector.
The new fare regime will affect all categories of public transport operations, including intra-city trotro services, inter-city transport routes and shared taxi operations nationwide.
To support implementation and avoid confusion among commuters, updated fare charts will be displayed at lorry stations ahead of the June 2 rollout.
Passengers have been urged to confirm approved fares at their respective stations and pay only the officially communicated rates.
Operators Warn Against Overcharging
While appealing for public understanding, the unions also issued a strong warning to drivers and transport mates against charging above the approved 20 percent increase.
“We understand the burden any fare adjustment places on commuters. This decision was taken only after all other options were exhausted.
"We appeal to the public for understanding and cooperation as we implement this adjustment.” - GPRTU
The operators added that enforcement teams would work with the Police Motor Traffic and Transport Department to monitor compliance at major transport terminals.
“Our task force, working with Police MTTD, will monitor compliance at major stations. Anyone found overcharging will face sanctions,” they warned.
Call for Government Intervention
Beyond fare adjustments, the transport unions renewed calls for government action to reduce operational pressures in the sector.
They appealed for a review of taxes on spare parts and measures to stabilise fuel prices, arguing that such interventions would help reduce costs and protect commuters from future increases.
The unions maintained that easing these pressures would support the delivery of safer, more dependable and affordable public transport services across Ghana.
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