GPRTU Seeks Fare Review As Drivers Feel Pressure From Rising Costs

The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC) have formally asked the Ministry of Transport to review public transport fares.

The two transport bodies said the request had been submitted in line with the administrative instrument governing the review of public transport fares.

In a statement dated 3 September, the GPRTU and GRTCC said the process was part of the established consultations used to determine fares for commercial road transport services.

They said the review would take into account the various costs involved in running commercial transport businesses.

The two groups said discussions with the Ministry of Transport would begin soon, with the outcome to be communicated to the public.

They have therefore urged drivers, station masters, transport owners and the general public to remain calm and wait for the conclusion of the process.

The announcement comes after the GPRTU warned earlier this week that rising fuel prices could make it difficult to maintain existing transport fares.

The union had said increased fuel, spare parts, lubricants and other operating costs were putting pressure on commercial drivers.

The latest move also follows a series of developments over transport fares in recent months.

In August, the GPRTU suspended a proposed 30% fare increase after the government reduced diesel prices by GH¢2. The union said at the time that it would monitor fuel prices before deciding on its next step.

The union later directed drivers who had independently increased fares to revert to the previous charges, stressing that fare changes had to go through the established consultation and approval process.

Drivers feel the pressure

3Music TV also spoke to some commercial drivers at the Nima-Maamobi Overhead branch of the GPRTU about the impact of the recent changes in transport costs on their businesses.

The drivers shared their experiences of operating in an environment where fuel, vehicle maintenance and other running costs continue to affect their daily earnings.

Their concerns highlight the challenge facing transport operators: while higher fares can help drivers meet rising operating costs, fare increases also put additional pressure on passengers who depend heavily on public transport.

There is currently no indication from the latest GPRTU-GRTCC statement that a new fare has already been approved.

Instead, the two bodies have begun the formal process of engaging the Transport Ministry, meaning commuters will have to wait for the outcome of the consultations before any new nationwide fare is officially announced.

The development is also significant because transport fares have previously been increased or reduced following consultations between transport operators and the government.

In May 2025, for example, the Ministry of Transport announced a 15% reduction in public transport fares following a fall in fuel prices and other economic factors.

For now, the GPRTU and GRTCC are asking drivers and commuters to await an official decision rather than acting on unapproved fare changes.