In a week of significant developments, Ghana is grappling with an 8 percent increase in trotro, shared taxi, and long-distance bus fares, set to take effect on September 26, 2026. The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC) had initially requested a 30 percent hike, citing rising fuel, spare parts, and vehicle maintenance costs. After negotiations with the Ministry of Transport, an 8 percent compromise was reached. The unions have warned their drivers to charge only the approved fare and post it at the station to avoid sanctions.
The fare increase will have a ripple effect on the prices of goods and services, including tomatoes at Kejetia and other essential items. As the cost of transportation rises, market women, school-going children, and workers who rely on trotro will feel the pinch. The 8 percent hike may seem small, but it will have a significant impact on the daily lives of Ghanaians. The transport unions' request for a 30 percent increase was not granted, but the approved 8 percent will still be felt across the country.
Cocoa farmers are eagerly awaiting the new producer price for the 2026/2027 season. The government has maintained a steady price for farmers despite a turbulent year. The 2025/26 season opened at GH¢51,660 per tonne, was raised to GH¢58,000 per tonne in October 2025, and later revised down to GH¢41,392 per tonne in February 2026 due to a collapse in world cocoa prices. Industry sources suggest a new price of around GH¢2,737 per 64-kilogramme bag, representing a 5.8 percent increase from GH¢2,587. However, this is yet to be officially confirmed.
The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has been engaging international trading houses in London, discussing a new Ghana Cocoa Board Act passed in 2026. The Act promises an automatic pricing formula tied to world prices and guarantees farmers at least 70 percent of the gross export value of their beans. Ghana is competing with Côte d'Ivoire for cocoa competitiveness and faces challenges such as swollen shoot disease and ageing farms, which could shrink this season's crop by up to 16 percent.
In a separate development, Bank of Ghana Governor Dr. Johnson Pandit Asiama unveiled a new family of banknotes, the "Heritage Series," to be launched on November 3, 2026. The upgraded notes will feature stronger anti-counterfeiting measures, improved durability, and new designs celebrating Ghana's heritage. The Governor emphasized that this is not a redenomination, and old notes will remain in circulation alongside the new ones.
The Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, launched the maiden Eastern Expo 2026 in Koforidua, which will run from September 26 to October 3. The expo, themed "Unlocking Opportunities for Sustainable Trade, Tourism and Investment," will showcase the region's potential, with all 33 Municipal and District Assemblies participating. President Mahama is expected to join the proceedings during expo week, highlighting the government's commitment to promoting local economic growth.
Not all developments in Ghana are positive, however. The Senior Staff Union and Junior Staff Union of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) began wearing red armbands to work on September 15, 2026, in protest against the government's proposed Private Sector Participation arrangement. The unions are concerned about job security and may take further action. President Mahama addressed the United Nations General Assembly on September 24, 2026, highlighting Ghana's progress and Africa's demand for permanent representation in global governance.
Key points
- The 8 percent increase in transport fares will have a significant impact on Ghanaians' daily lives.
- Cocoa farmers are awaiting a new producer price for the 2026/2027 season, which could see a 5.8 percent increase.
- The new "Heritage Series" banknotes will be launched on November 3, 2026, featuring improved security measures and new designs.
