The Ghana Public has announced an 8% increase in commercial transport fares nationwide, effective Saturday, September 26, 2026, following an agreement between the government and transport operators.
The adjustment will affect passengers who rely on trotros, shared taxis and other commercial public transport services, increasing daily commuting costs for workers, students and other travellers.
The agreement follows weeks of negotiations between the Ministry of Transport, the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC) over rising operational expenses.
The GPRTU had initially pushed for a much higher adjustment of at least 25%. However, the union eventually accepted the 8% increase after government gave assurances that further reductions in fuel prices were being pursued.
Speaking in an interview, GPRTU Deputy Industrial and Public Relations Officer Samuel Amoah said the union took the impact of higher fares on passengers into consideration before accepting the agreement.
He said the expected reduction in fuel prices was a key factor in the decision.
“We agreed to the 8% because of the expected reduction in fuel prices in the next pricing window,” he said.
Mr. Amoah, however, cautioned that the union could return to the Ministry of Transport if the expected fuel price reduction does not materialise.
“It’s a promise given to us and if it fails, we will still go back to the ministry to let them know that the promise given to us has not been fulfilled. Then we will see what will help our operations,” he said.
The fare review follows an initial engagement between the transport unions and the Ministry of Transport on September 8, when the unions cited rising fuel, vehicle maintenance, spare parts and other operational costs.
As part of efforts to cushion operators and commuters, government had outlined measures including a GH¢2-per-litre intervention on diesel.
A joint team comprising the Ministry of Transport, GPRTU and GRTCC was subsequently formed to assess the various cost components before arriving at the final adjustment.
The new fares will take effect nationwide from September 26, with commuters expected to bear higher transportation costs for their daily journeys.
