GPRTU, GRTCC Seek Review of Public Transport Fares

Public transport fares in Ghana could come under fresh review after the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC) formally submitted a request to the Ministry of Transport.

The two transport bodies announced the development in a joint statement dated September 3, 2026, saying the request was made in accordance with the Administrative Instrument governing the review of public transport fares.

The move comes amid renewed pressure on commercial transport operators following changes in fuel prices and other operating costs.

No New Fare Has Been Approved Yet

Despite the request for a review, commuters have not been directed to pay higher fares.

The GPRTU and GRTCC stressed that the submission is part of the established consultation process for determining fares for commercial road transport services.

The unions are expected to engage the Ministry of Transport on the matter, after which any decision on a possible adjustment will be communicated to the public.

Until such an announcement is made, the existing approved fare structure remains in effect.

Unions Ask Drivers and Commuters to Remain Calm

The two transport organisations have appealed to drivers, station masters, transport owners and the general public to remain calm while the consultation process takes place.

The call is significant because previous fare disputes have sometimes resulted in confusion among commuters, with some operators introducing new charges before an officially sanctioned adjustment.

The unions are therefore urging stakeholders to wait for the outcome of the formal engagement rather than act on speculation.

Rising Fuel Costs Add Pressure

The latest request follows concerns within the transport sector about rising operating costs.

Ahead of the submission, the GPRTU had warned that maintaining existing fares could become increasingly difficult if fuel prices continued to rise. The union had said it was monitoring developments at fuel stations before taking a decision on fares.

The Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies had projected increases in petrol and diesel prices from September 1, with petrol expected to rise by 4.80 percent and diesel by 2.10 percent.

Fuel prices have since changed at the pumps. GOIL, for example, announced new prices effective September 2, including GH¢15.43 for Super XP and GH¢17.26 for Diesel XP.

Transport operators have also pointed to other expenses associated with running commercial vehicles, including spare parts, lubricants, taxes, insurance and vehicle-related regulatory costs.

What the Fare Review Could Mean for Commuters

For commuters, the immediate message is that there is no approved nationwide fare increase yet.

However, the request places the issue of transport costs back on the table and could eventually result in changes if the Ministry of Transport and the transport operators reach an agreement.

Any approved adjustment would be expected to emerge from the established consultation process rather than from unilateral action by individual operators.

The development will therefore be closely watched by workers, students, traders and other regular users of commercial transport across the country.

GPRTU and GRTCC Await Engagement With Transport Ministry

The next major step is the expected engagement between the transport unions and the Ministry of Transport.

The outcome of those discussions will determine whether fares remain unchanged or are adjusted to reflect current operating conditions.

The GPRTU and GRTCC have assured the public that updates will be provided once there is an official outcome.

For now, commuters are advised to continue paying the approved fares and to rely on official communication from the transport unions and the Ministry of Transport for any changes.

The joint statement was signed by Mr. Godfred Abulbire, General Secretary of the GPRTU of TUC, Ghana, and Mr. Emmanuel Ohene Yeboah, General Secretary of the GRTCC.

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Gonja Pulse will continue to monitor the fare review process and provide updates as the discussions between the transport unions and government progress.