Public transport fares across Ghana will increase by 8 percent starting Saturday, September 26, 2026, following an agreement concluded between the Ministry of Transport, the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), and the Ghana Road Transport Operators Coordinating Council (GRTCC).
The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC) announced the adjustment in a joint statement dated Wednesday, September 23, after negotiations held between September 8 and 22.
The increase will apply to shared taxis, intracity trotro services, intercity transport and haulage operations.
Diesel Intervention Helps Reduce Fare Increase
According to the unions, the decision followed a review of fuel prices, spare parts, vehicle maintenance and other costs affecting commercial transport operators.
They said the final percentage also reflected the financial burden higher fares would place on commuters.
The unions acknowledged that government’s intervention in the price of diesel helped moderate the adjustment.
The 8% agreement is considerably lower than the increase initially sought by the GPRTU. During negotiations, the union maintained that operators needed an adjustment of at least 25% to offset rising costs.
The final agreement means passengers will face a smaller increase than operators had proposed, although daily commuting expenses will still rise.
New Fares Based on May 2025 Rates
The unions clarified that the 8% adjustment must be calculated using the approved transport fares that took effect on May 24, 2025.
Operators are not permitted to apply the increase to independently adjusted or unofficial fares.
The detailed schedule released by the unions sets out the revised amounts for various journey distances and transport categories.
For instance, an approved intracity fare of GH¢10 will increase to GH¢11 under the published schedule, while a GH¢100 intercity fare will rise to GH¢108.
Unions Warn Drivers Against Overcharging
Commercial transport operators have been directed to display the new fare schedule prominently at loading terminals and stations to help passengers identify the approved charges.
The unions warned that drivers who demand amounts above the revised rates will face sanctions.
“Transport Operators are further reminded that the charging of fares in excess of the approved rates shall attract the appropriate sanctions from the Unions,” the statement said.
The communiqué was signed by GPRTU General Secretary Godfred Abulbire and GRTCC General Secretary Emmanuel Ohene Yeboah.
Both organisations pledged to continue discussions with government on the challenges facing commercial transport operators.
Until the new schedule takes effect on Saturday, September 26, passengers should continue paying the existing approved fares.
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