The Ministry of Transport in Ghana has announced that public transport fares will increase by 8% starting from Saturday, September 26, 2026. This decision comes after weeks of consultations between the Ministry and major transport unions, including the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC). The unions had been calling for an upward adjustment in fares due to rising operating costs faced by commercial transport operators.
The GPRTU and GRTCC presented their proposals for a fare increase during an initial meeting with the Ministry on September 8, 2026. In response, the government outlined measures aimed at cushioning both operators and passengers. One of the agreed measures was a GH¢2 reduction per litre on diesel. A joint technical team was established to assess cost components and make recommendations on the appropriate fare adjustment. This team comprised representatives from the Ministry of Transport, GPRTU, and GRTCC.
The consultations were accompanied by appeals for drivers and transport operators to continue charging existing fares until an official decision was reached. As of September 16, 2026, both the GPRTU and the Progressive Transport Owners’ Association (PROTOA) maintained that no new fares had officially been approved. This ensured that commuters were not subjected to arbitrary fare increases during the negotiation period.
With the latest agreement, commuters across Ghana will begin paying the revised fares from September 26, 2026. The 8% adjustment will apply to commercial public transport services, including trotros and shared taxis. Transport operators are expected to implement the new rates according to the agreed fare structure. This move aims to help operators cover rising expenses related to vehicle maintenance, spare parts, fuel, and other operational costs.
The fare review was conducted to strike a balance between the increasing cost of running commercial transport services and the financial burden on commuters. The Ministry of Transport and transport unions worked together to find a mutually beneficial solution. The agreed 8% increase is expected to help mitigate the financial challenges faced by transport operators while also considering the impact on passengers.
The recent fare adjustment follows concerns from transport operators over rising expenses. The consultations were intended to find a sustainable solution that would accommodate the needs of both operators and commuters. By involving a joint technical team, the government and transport unions aimed to ensure a fair and transparent fare review process.
The implementation of the new transport fares will be closely monitored to ensure compliance with the agreed adjustments. Commuters are advised to report any instances of arbitrary fare increases or non-compliance by transport operators. The collaboration between the government and transport unions is expected to help maintain stability in the transport sector and provide relief to operators while protecting the interests of passengers.
Key points
- The 8% increase in transport fares in Ghana will take effect from September 26, 2026.
- The fare adjustment was reached after consultations between the Ministry of Transport and major transport unions.
- The increase aims to help transport operators cover rising operational costs while considering the financial burden on commuters.
