Commuters across Ghana are set to pay more for public transport from Saturday, September 26, 2026, after transport unions and the government agreed on an 8% increase in fares.
The decision reportedly follows weeks of discussions between the Ministry of Transport and representatives of commercial transport operators over the proposed review of fares for the 2026 fare window.
The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC) had called for an upward adjustment, pointing to rising expenses involved in keeping vehicles on the road.
The issue was tabled during an initial meeting with the Ministry of Transport on September 8, when the unions presented their proposals for higher fares.
In response, the government outlined measures aimed at easing some of the pressure on operators and passengers. Among the measures was a GH¢2 per litre intervention on diesel.
To assess the various cost pressures before reaching a conclusion, the Ministry, GPRTU and GRTCC subsequently set up a joint team to examine the inputs submitted by the stakeholders.
While the discussions continued, transport unions warned drivers and operators against imposing fares beyond the officially approved rates.
That position was reiterated as recently as September 16, when the GPRTU and Progressive Transport Owners’ Association (PROTOA) said no official increase had been announced at the time.
With the latest agreement now reached, the revised fares will take effect nationwide on September 26.
The 8% adjustment will apply to shared taxis, trotros and other commercial public transport services. Operators are expected to charge passengers according to the fare structure agreed upon by the stakeholders.
The review comes at a time when transport operators have been raising concerns about the rising cost of running their businesses, including vehicle maintenance, spare parts and other operational expenses.
The consultations therefore sought to strike a balance between the financial pressures facing operators and the additional burden higher fares could place on commuters.
Passengers will consequently begin to feel the effect of the new rates at lorry stations and along commercial transport routes from Saturday.
