GPRTU Threatens 30% Fare Rise as Fuel Costs Squeeze Operators

Ghana’s commercial transport operators have warned of a potential 30% increase in transport fares, escalating pressure on the government to contain rising fuel prices that are eroding the economics of public transport and threatening to feed broader inflationary pressures.

The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) said it had exhausted its patience after a three-day ultimatum to government expired without a response. The union argues that surging pump prices have become the dominant cost burden for drivers, overshadowing already elevated expenses for spare parts, lubricants and taxes.

Samuel Amoah, Deputy Public Relations Officer of the GPRTU, said the union’s leadership intends to engage the Ministry of Transport in a final attempt to find a solution. However, he warned that failure to secure government intervention would leave operators with little choice but to implement the proposed fare adjustment.

The warning comes as several oil marketing companies have increased fuel prices in recent weeks, intensifying cost pressures across Ghana’s transport sector. A 30% fare increase would likely raise commuting costs for households, increase logistics expenses for businesses and add fresh upside risks to inflation at a time when policymakers are seeking to consolidate recent macroeconomic stability.

The outcome of discussions between the GPRTU and the Transport Ministry is expected to determine whether the threatened fare adjustment is implemented or whether policy measures can cushion operators against the impact of higher fuel costs.