The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) is considering an upward adjustment in transport fares, citing rising operational costs and looming financial pressure on the transport sector.
Speaking on ABC News GH’s Midday News, Paul Ofori, Head of Research at COPEC revealed that the union has expressed concerns over the burden recent fiscal challenges pose on drivers and commuters.
He warned that such a move, if implemented, could ripple through the economy by significantly impacting the cost of living.
Transport fares form a crucial component of Ghana’s economic structure, influencing food prices, business costs, and household expenditure. With the Energy Ministry accounting for 86% of the GH¢18.4 billion in irregularities flagged in the 2024 Auditor-General’s report—most of it from ECG—experts say the lack of financial discipline is indirectly fueling economic instability. GPRTU’s contemplation of fare hikes, though not finalized, comes amid these mounting challenges.
Fuel prices, maintenance costs, and inflation have all contributed to the union’s re-evaluation of fare structures.
The previous fare adjustment took place almost two months ago, and drivers have since been calling for relief through fuel subsidies or operational cost reviews. GPRTU believes that without policy adjustments or financial relief measures in the upcoming Mid-Year Budget Review, fare increases may be inevitable.
