BY Nadia Ntiamoah
Commuters across Ghana are expected to pay more for public transportation beginning Tuesday, June 2, 2026, following the announcement of a 20-percent increase in transport fares by the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and the Commercial Transport Operators of Ghana.
The transport unions say the fare adjustment has become unavoidable due to the continuous increase in fuel prices and the rising cost of vehicle maintenance, which they argue is threatening the sustainability of transport operations nationwide.
According to a statement jointly issued by the transport operators, the cost of running commercial vehicles has increased significantly in recent months, placing enormous financial pressure on drivers and vehicle owners.
They explained that essential vehicle components and consumables, including tyres, engine oil, batteries, brake parts, and other spare parts, have recorded sharp price hikes, making it increasingly difficult for operators to maintain their vehicles and continue providing transport services.
The unions noted that despite efforts to absorb some of the operational costs, the situation has reached a point where fare adjustments have become necessary to keep transport businesses afloat.
Under the new arrangement, the 20 percent increase will affect all categories of public transport services across the country.
This includes intra-city trotro services, inter-city bus operations, and shared taxi transportation.
Transport operators have assured the public that measures are being put in place to ensure transparency and compliance with the new fare structure.
Updated fare charts are expected to be displayed at major lorry stations nationwide before the implementation date to enable passengers verify approved fares and avoid disputes.
While acknowledging the financial difficulties many Ghanaians are already facing, the transport unions appealed to commuters to understand the circumstances that informed the decision.
According to them, the increase was introduced only after extensive consultations and consideration of prevailing economic conditions affecting the transport sector.
The operators also warned drivers and transport mates against charging fares above the approved 20 percent increment.
They indicated that monitoring teams made up of union officials and personnel from the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service would be deployed to major transport terminals to enforce compliance.
The unions stressed that any driver or mate found exploiting passengers by charging unauthorized fares would face disciplinary sanctions.
