The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has distanced itself from a recent announcement made by the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC) regarding a proposed 20% increase in public transport fares, scheduled to take effect on Friday, August 8, 2025.
In an interview with Eastern FM 105.1 MHz on Tuesday, August 5, the Public Relations Officer of the GPRTU, Mr. Samuel Amoah, expressed shock over the announcement, noting that the union had no prior knowledge of the fare increment.
“Yes, we’ve seen the release from the GRTCC concerning a 20% fare increase this Friday. Honestly, we were surprised, because we were not consulted or informed about any such decision,” Mr. Amoah explained.
He further stated that any decision to adjust transport fares is typically reached through collaborative discussions between the GPRTU, the GRTCC, and the Ministry of Transport. These consultations usually result in a joint communiqué that is publicly communicated.
“This is not the norm. Usually, fare adjustments are done jointly—with the GPRTU, GRTCC, and the Transport Ministry all involved. So seeing this new announcement without our involvement came as a surprise,” he added.
When asked if any form of engagement took place before the announcement, Mr. Amoah responded: “This is completely new to us. We were not part of any discussions or agreements. No communication came to us as the GPRTU.”
According to a statement issued by Emmanuel Ohene-Yeboah, General Secretary, and Alhaji Tanko, Acting National Chairman of the GRTCC, the decision was reportedly based on the Administrative Arrangement on Public Transport Fares and involved consultations with some transport unions.
The GRTCC defended the decision by citing the lack of a decrease in the cost of spare parts and other operational inputs, even after a 15% fare reduction implemented on May 21, 2025.
Moreover, the Council pointed to the impact of a recently introduced GH₵1.00 per litre fuel levy, which has led to an estimated 8% rise in fuel prices, further inflating operational expenses for commercial drivers.
The statement also noted worsening road conditions across the country, which have significantly increased vehicle maintenance costs.
Despite GRTCC’s claim of engaging with relevant transport unions, the GPRTU’s outright rejection of the process has raised concerns about the transparency and coordination surrounding fare-setting decisions.
Meanwhile, the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) has also voiced strong opposition to the proposed 20% increase in commercial transport fares.
STORY BY: KENNEDY AMPONSAH NTI
EASTERN FM 105.1 MHZ
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