The two unions, in a joint press release, said consultations with the sector minister and his technical team began at a meeting in Accra on Tuesday, 8 September 2026.

“At the meeting, the Unions presented a proposal for an upward review of public transport fares. Government, on its part, briefed the Unions on prevailing macroeconomic conditions, ongoing measures to stabilise the Ghana cedi, and, in particular, the GHS 2.00 per litre intervention on the price of diesel, which is intended to cushion transport operators and the travelling public,” the statement said.

Both sides agreed that the full impact of the fuel intervention needs further assessment alongside the fare increment proposal, before any decision is made.

“To ensure that the eventual outcome is fair in the best interest of both operators and the travelling public, a Team comprising representatives of the Ministry of Transport, the GPRTU and the GRTCC has been formed to review all cost inputs. The outcome of this exercise will be communicated to the general public in due course.”

The transport unions urged their members, drivers, station masters and transport owners to maintain current approved fares until further notice, and called on the public to remain calm and cooperative as the process continues.

Read the full press release below:

According to him, the GPRTU has established procedures for fare adjustments and will ensure that any approved increase is properly documented and communicated to the public.

Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s morning show, Dwaso Nsem, Mr Amoah said the union keeps records of all previous fare adjustments and follows due processes before announcing new fares.

“For the past years, we have all our records. Whenever we are about to increase lorry fares, we put everything on paper, do things properly and keep records. We also display the new fares on social media, television and radio stations,” he said.

He explained that the public would be informed of the exact fares to be paid under any new adjustment to enable passengers to know the difference between the old and new rates.

“So when we display the new fares, every passenger will know how much they are supposed to pay under the new increment. They can also know the difference that has been added, and that is the record we will use to work,” he added.

Mr Amoah cautioned drivers against taking advantage of the proposed fare increase to charge passengers whatever amounts they want.

“So if you are a driver and you are increasing the fare on your own, immediately we get such information, we will deal with you. Now, it is about time we bring sanity to our transport sector,” he warned.

He said the union has made its contact numbers available to the public so passengers can report drivers who violate approved fares.

“We have displayed our contact numbers everywhere so passengers know those of us they can reach when they are having issues with any driver as far as the increment is concerned,” he said.

Mr Amoah therefore urged passengers to cooperate with the union by reporting any driver who charges unauthorised fares.

“We assure the passengers to help us so we can also help them. Then we can work together,” he added.

His comments come after the transport unions proposed a 30% increase in public transport fares and submitted a request to the Ministry of Transport for an adjustment to the existing fares.

The proposed increase has not yet taken effect, as the unions are awaiting engagement with the Ministry of Transport on the request.

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According to him, the union has engaged the Ministry of Transport on challenges within the transport sector and is working with relevant institutions to ensure that drivers comply with approved fares.

Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s morning show, Dwaso Nsem, Mr Amoah said the GPRTU met with the Ministry of Transport recently and also submitted a formal letter on the proposed fare adjustment.

“We met with the Ministry of Transport and spoke to them about our challenges, where they started, and the issues we have been facing. Yesterday, we also took a letter to them,” he said.

He said the union raised concerns about fare increases by some transport operators, including VIP, as well as drivers who allegedly charge fares outside the approved rates.

“We told them about how VIP increased its prices and the Ministry did not do anything about it. We also talked about floating drivers who charge without following the laws and those who flout our union’s rules,” he said.

Mr Amoah explained that the previous Legislative Instrument (LI 2180) did not contain a specific provision to deal with drivers who charged fares above the approved rates.

“The old LI 2180 did not have any provision that stated that anyone who charges higher fares should be arrested. But in the new LI, that has been added,” he said.

He stressed that any fare increase must receive approval from the relevant authorities before drivers can begin charging the new rates.

“Before anyone can increase fares, it must be approved by the Ministry of Transport, the GPRTU and the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC). Anything apart from that, the law must deal with the driver,” he stated.

Mr Amoah said the GPRTU would establish an internal task force to ensure that its members comply with the new fare structure once it is approved.

“We have put things together and we will get a task force to work internally to make sure all union members follow the new rules,” he said.

He added that the Ministry of Transport had also indicated that the police, assemblies, National Security, MMDCEs, and their respective task forces would collaborate to enforce the approved fares.

“The Ministry also said the police, assemblies, National Security, MMDCEs, and their task forces will come together to ensure that those drivers who always flout the laws do the right thing,” he added.

Mr Amoah expressed optimism that the measures being put in place would prevent confusion and overcharging if the proposed fare increase is approved.

“We have put things in place, so if we are able to finally confirm the price hike, we hope there won’t be any challenges,” he said.

His comments come after the transport unions proposed a 30% increase in public transport fares and submitted a request to the Ministry of Transport for an adjustment to the existing fares.

The proposed increase is subject to approval and has not yet taken effect.

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• We’re seeking 30% increment effective September 10 – Transport operators

In a joint statement dated September 3, 2026, the two transport organisations said the request was made in accordance with the Administrative Instrument governing the review of public transport fares.

According to the groups, the process forms part of the established consultative framework for determining and reviewing fares, taking into consideration the various costs associated with the operation of commercial road transport services.

The leadership said discussions with the Ministry of Transport are expected to commence soon, after which the outcome of the consultations will be communicated to the public.

The GPRTU and GRTCC urged drivers, station masters, transport owners and the general public to remain calm and await the conclusion of the process.

They stressed that any adjustment to public transport fares would be communicated after the necessary consultations with the Ministry of Transport.

Read the statement below:

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Deputy Public Relations Officer of the GPRTU, Samuel Amoah, said the directive follows complaints received from commuters in several parts of the country about drivers charging higher fares despite an agreement to suspend the planned 30% increase.

“We started receiving complaints from yesterday [Monday] in some areas that some of the drivers are increasing the transport fare. So we started doing some follow-up and getting more calls to cross these complaints,” he said in an interview on JoyNews’ The Pulse on Tuesday, August 11.

Mr Amoah explained that the GPRTU contacted its executives and leaders at various branches after receiving specific information about the affected routes.

He said some increases had been reported around the Madina area, prompting the union to deploy personnel to verify the complaints and engage local transport leaders.

“We sent some of our men just to verify. And we started [engaging] the leaders to a meeting, making sure that they will comply.

“This is the agreement that we all have; we have all agreed upon that we are to hold on with the increment,” Mr Amoah stated.

The GPRTU says it is also taking disciplinary action against members who violate the agreement.

Mr Amoah explained that the union operates through branches across the country, with branch executives responsible for addressing complaints involving drivers under their jurisdiction.

“If we find out that our members… belong to the union, we straight away call their leaders,” he said.

He added that where a branch confirms that its drivers are increasing fares without authorisation, the union can sanction the drivers or order them to revert to the agreed fares.

“We sanction them or we order them to make sure that the drivers comply,” he said.

Mr Amoah cited a recent complaint involving drivers operating on the Ashaiman route as an example of the union’s enforcement efforts.

“We called their leadership and we made sure that they reverted. And we also sent our men there to ensure that… they comply,” he said.

He acknowledged, however, that enforcement remains challenging because not all commercial drivers belong to the GPRTU or other recognised transport unions.

The GPRTU says it will continue monitoring transport terminals and routes to identify drivers who breach the agreement and ensure that unauthorised fare increases are reversed.

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Deputy Secretary of the GPRTU, Samuel Amoah, said although the union operates some vehicles, the majority of commercial cars on the roads belong to individual owners registered under the union.

Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem morning show, Mr Amoah said the union has appealed to the government to support transport operators with vehicles to help address the shortage.

He explained that the vehicles could be provided under a work-and-pay arrangement rather than being given out for free.

“Most of the cars we are using are owned by individuals who have registered with the union. Although the union has some vehicles, we don’t have many,” he said.

“So we have appealed to the government to support us with vehicles just as it has done for some government institutions. We are not asking for free vehicles; if they can provide them for us to work with and pay later, we can manage that,” he added.

According to him, many commercial vehicles have been taken off the roads because their owners cannot afford expensive spare parts and repair costs.

He noted that the situation has contributed significantly to the shortage of vehicles at various stations across the country.

“Most of the cars have broken down and are at workshops because of the high cost of spare parts. That is why people don’t see many commercial vehicles on the roads,” Mr Amoah explained.

He cited his station as an example, saying the number of vehicles available for operations has reduced significantly.

“The last time we checked our records, the vehicles we normally submit their registration numbers for municipal assembly processes were over 150. But this year, the number has reduced to 105. It means the rest are at workshops,” he said.

Mr Amoah said the union is exploring other measures to increase the number of vehicles available to commuters, including discussions to acquire electric buses from China.

He disclosed that the GPRTU’s National Vice Chairman has been engaging some stakeholders in China to explore opportunities for bringing electric buses into Ghana.

“As I speak, efforts have been made to clear some vehicles into the country to test and see how they can help ease the pressure on commercial transport,” he said.

He assured commuters that the union is working to find lasting solutions to the vehicle shortage and improve transportation services across the country.

The shortage of commercial vehicles in major urban areas, including Accra and Tema, has resulted in long queues at some stations, longer travel times and increased pressure on commuters.

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According to him, the increasing prices of spare parts have become a major challenge for commercial vehicle operators, as many struggle to maintain their vehicles.

Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Mr Amoah explained that spare parts dealers have attributed the high prices to difficulties in sourcing parts for some vehicles currently used by drivers.

“We are really in talks with the leadership of the Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association because the way things are going, our vehicles are becoming difficult to maintain,” he said.

“They have told us that the parts for some of the cars we are using now are difficult to get, and because of the limited supply, they cannot reduce the prices. They always talk about demand and supply,” he added.

Mr Amoah noted that although prices of some spare parts have reduced, those items are not commonly used for repairing the vehicles operated by commercial drivers.

“There are some parts whose prices have come down, but unfortunately, those are not the parts we normally use to fix our vehicles,” he explained.

He said the GPRTU is seeking the intervention of the Transport and Trade Ministries to engage the spare parts dealers and find ways to reduce the burden on drivers.

“We are trying to speak with the Transport Minister and the Trade Minister so they can engage the Abossey Okai dealers and see how best they can help reduce the prices of spare parts for us,” he stated.

Mr Amoah said addressing the high cost of vehicle maintenance is crucial to improving public transport operations and reducing pressure on commercial drivers.

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The planned fare adjustment was suspended after engagements between transport operators, including the GPRTU and the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC), and other stakeholders.

Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Mr Amoah welcomed the decision but stressed that it should not be seen as a permanent solution to the challenges facing the transport sector.

“The planned 30% increment was suspended following an engagement with the relevant stakeholders, including the GRTCC and GPRTU,” he said.

He acknowledged that commuters would be relieved by the development but warned that several factors, particularly fuel prices and vehicle maintenance costs, continue to influence transport fares.

“It is good news, but we should not be too excited,” he stated.

Mr Amoah said the sustainability of the suspension depends on whether operational costs remain stable or reduce further.

“We should pray that God helps us and things stabilise, and that fuel prices and the other components we use for our work reduce further,” he added.

He explained that if fuel prices and other expenses associated with running commercial vehicles continue to fall, transport operators would have no reason to consider another fare increase.

“If that happens, then there will be no plans to increase transport fares,” he said.

Mr Amoah expressed hope that the current stability in the sector would be maintained to reduce pressure on both transport operators and commuters.

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Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Mr Amoah expressed concern over what he described as the growing influence of ‘loading boys’, known as jonkys, who he said are dictating fares without approval.

“We don’t have the power to arrest people who charge illegal fares. That responsibility lies with the Police,” he said.

According to him, the inability of law enforcement agencies to act has made it difficult to stop unauthorised fare increases.

“The jonkys have taken control and are deciding the fares drivers should charge. Unfortunately, the Police are not doing anything about it,” he alleged.

He further claimed that the Police have failed to enforce the law against operators who impose unapproved fares.

“The Police have become one with these people and are allowing them to charge higher fares,” he stated.

Mr Amoah said the GPRTU leadership would soon meet at its national office to deliberate on the current situation and determine the union’s next course of action.

“We will meet as leaders at our national office and decide the way forward,” he said.

Responding to questions about reports of a proposed 30 per cent fare increase, Mr Amoah clarified that the GPRTU has not yet approved any such increment.

“We have not approved the 30 per cent increase. Some drivers may already be charging higher fares, but that is not a decision taken by the GPRTU,” he stressed.

He explained that although transport operators are grappling with rising operational costs, including fuel prices, spare parts, lubricants, insurance and vehicle maintenance, consultations are still ongoing.

“There are many factors involved, and that is why we have to meet and discuss them. By the close of the day, if we do not hear anything from the government, we will decide on our next line of action,” he added.

His comments follow the circulation of a statement purportedly issued by the Commercial Transport Operators of Ghana, the Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana and the GPRTU of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), announcing a 30 per cent nationwide transport fare increase.

The statement cited rising fuel prices and increasing operational costs as the basis for the proposed increment and gave government a three-day ultimatum to reduce fuel prices, warning that the fare adjustment would take effect if no action was taken.

However, Mr Amoah maintained that the GPRTU has not sanctioned the reported 30 per cent fare increase and urged the public to rely only on official communication from the union regarding transport fare adjustments.

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Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Mr Amoah said although there have been complaints about some drivers charging higher fares, the GPRTU has not sanctioned any nationwide fare adjustment.

“We have not agreed that transport fares should be increased by 30%. You may hear concerns that some people are charging higher fares, but that is not something we have approved,” he said.

He explained that the union became aware of isolated cases of fare increases, particularly in Madina, and immediately intervened.

“It was in Madina that we heard some drivers were charging higher fares, and we took drastic action. It is not something we have agreed to implement,” he stated.

His comments come after a statement circulating on social media, purportedly issued by the Commercial Transport Operators of Ghana, the Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana and the GPRTU of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), announcing a 30% increase in transport fares nationwide.

The statement attributed the proposed increment to rising fuel prices and increasing operational costs, including spare parts, lubricants, insurance and vehicle maintenance.

It also gave government a three-day ultimatum to reduce fuel prices, warning that the 30% fare increase would take effect across all routes if no action was taken.

However, Mr Amoah said the GPRTU has not endorsed the announcement and urged the public to disregard claims that the union has approved the increase.

“We have a lot of work to do to ensure that the right things are done. Whenever complaints come in, we engage the Transport Ministry and inform them about the challenges facing transport operators,” he said.

He noted that while transport operators continue to face rising operating costs, any decision to review fares would follow the established consultation process involving the relevant stakeholders.

“We understand the concerns of drivers, but no 30% fare increase has been approved by the GPRTU,” he stressed.

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Speaking on Adom FM’s morning show, Dwaso Nsem, Mr Amoah said some drivers had increased fares due to rising operational costs, including fuel prices and the cost of spare parts.

He explained that the union had earlier engaged the Ministry of Transport over concerns about increasing costs but was advised to wait, as fuel prices were expected to reduce.

“We wrote a letter to the Transport Ministry for explanation and clarification, but they asked us to take it easy because fuel prices would come down, and indeed, it reduced,” he said.

Mr Amoah said the union subsequently advised its members not to increase fares because there had been no agreement to do so.

“After that, we spoke to our people not to increase fares because we had not reached any consensus,” he added.

He, however, acknowledged that some drivers had complained about poor road conditions and the impact of bad roads on their vehicles, which they use as a reason to charge higher fares.

“Some of our members complain about the nature of the roads they use and the effect on their vehicles, but we believe that should not be a reason to increase fares, especially when we have not agreed on any increment,” he said.

Mr Amoah stressed that Ghana’s transport sector is regulated by laws that require commercial transport operators to belong to recognised transport unions.

“Before you become a commercial transport operator, you must belong to a recognised transport union,” he stated.

According to him, the issue of unauthorised fare increases is largely caused by floating drivers who are not affiliated with any recognised union.

He explained that some individuals take advantage of situations where passengers are stranded to increase fares for their own benefit.

“Sometimes, some drivers see that passengers are stranded and increase fares for them to pay, and later they take their share,” he said.

Mr Amoah said the GPRTU has raised concerns with the police and called for stricter enforcement to ensure that all commercial drivers become part of recognised transport bodies.

He added that the union had encouraged unaffiliated drivers to form or join recognised transport groups so they could have representatives during discussions on transport policies and fare adjustments.

“When this happens, even some drivers who belong to transport unions feel cheated and decide to join those increasing fares because they think they are not being arrested,” he explained.

Mr Amoah urged the police to ensure that all commercial drivers in the country belong to recognised transport unions, warning that failure to do so would allow the problem of unauthorised fare increases to persist.

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He said although the union has taken note of reports about fare increases in some parts of Accra, no official directive has been issued to members to increase fares.

Speaking on Adom FM’s morning show, Dwaso Nsem, Mr Amoah said the union usually follows up on such reports and takes action whenever drivers increase fares without approval.

“We have heard the news going around. Within the last week, we have received similar information, and we always follow up on such matters and take decisions based on what we find,” he said.

He explained that whenever there are reports of fare increases that have not been agreed upon by the union, steps are taken to reverse them.

“When we hear of fare increases, we follow up and reverse such decisions, especially when we are not in sync with them,” he added.

According to Mr Amoah, most of the challenges come from transport operators who are not members of any recognised transport union.

“Most of the challenges come from those who are not part of any union. We had a case from one station at Ashaiman, and we followed up to ensure that the situation was reversed,” he said.

He added that the union continues to receive complaints from the public and engages its members and local unions to address such issues.

“Some of these complaints fall within our members and local unions, so we do the necessary follow-up,” he stated.

Mr Amoah further disclosed that the Ashaiman case involved one of the union’s local members, and after engagement, the fare increase was withdrawn.

“The complaint at Ashaiman, for instance, involved one of our local members, and this morning we followed up to ensure that it had been reversed because we have not reached any consensus to increase transport fares,” he said.

His comments follow complaints from some members of the public about alleged fare increases in parts of Accra. He maintained that the GPRTU has not issued any communication authorising drivers to increase fares.

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According to the Deputy Public Relations Officer of the GPRTU, Samuel Amoah, the proposed system will allow passengers to make payments electronically and receive receipts, eliminating the need for drivers and their mates to carry large sums of cash during daily operations.

Mr. Amoah explained that under the new arrangement, drivers would no longer be responsible for handling most fare payments directly. Instead, station management would oversee the collection of funds and subsequently disburse proceeds to drivers.

He noted that the initiative forms part of the union’s broader digitalisation agenda and is expected to reduce the risks associated with cash-based transport operations.

The GPRTU believes the move could significantly improve the safety of drivers, many of whom have fallen victim to armed robbery attacks while returning home with their daily sales.

“Once the money is paid through the system, records will be generated and receipts issued, making transactions more transparent and secure,” he said.

The announcement comes at a time when discussions around digital payments in commercial transport have intensified following a viral social media video involving a dispute over a mobile money fare transaction.

While mobile money payments are currently not mandatory in commercial vehicles, the GPRTU says the proposed cashless platform is intended to provide a standardised and safer payment system for both passengers and transport operators.

The union says work is ongoing to develop the system and finalise modalities for its implementation.

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Police prosecutors say the accused person’s actions are contrary to sections 20(1) and 74 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).

ASP Stephen Ofori told the court there is an ongoing dispute between the complainant, Sumaila Boakye Mohammed, who serves as the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), and some members of the union, including the accused, Ibrahim Hamisu.

This internal conflict, according to police, has resulted in civil litigation currently pending before the High Court in Kumasi.

The complainant reported to the Police Regional Criminal Investigations Department in Kumasi that he had been targeted for harassment and intimidation.

On March 27, 2026, the complainant alleged, while at the court premises for a hearing, he observed the accused in the company of four unidentified individuals.

On April 1, 2026, one of those individuals, identified as Mubarak Suleman, allegedly approached the complainant and confessed to the complainant that he and three others had been contracted by Ibrahim Hamisu to intimidate and threaten the regional chairman into abandoning the pending civil suit.

According to the facts made available to the court, Suleman claimed that the group opted not to attack the complainant on the day they were spotted at the court, citing the complainant’s presence at the premises as the reason for their hesitation.

ASP Ofori told the court presided over by her Honour Vida Achia Yeboah that police arrested Ibrahim for investigation following the report.

The accused person, in his cautioning statement provided in the presence of an independent witness, admitted to hiring Suleman and the three other men.

Ibrahim Hamisu, however, claimed the individuals were hired for the purpose of providing surety for a GPRTU member and not to carry out threats on the Ashanti regional chairman of GPRTU.

The court at its hearing on Monday, June 1, 2026, granted bail to the accused person in the sum of GH50,000 with two sureties.

The court also ordered both sureties and the accused person to deposit their identification cards with the court, while Ibrahim Hamisu reports twice every month to the police.

The case has been adjourned to June 23, 2026.

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The group has issued a one-week ultimatum to the Minister for Transport, the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) leadership, and the National Chairman of C-DAG, demanding immediate intervention to stop the unapproved fare increases.

In a statement dated May 19, 2026, and signed by several regional chairmen, the association argued that “It is unfair for one section of the transport sector to increase fares at will while commercial drivers operating within the cities and districts continue to bear the rising cost of fuel, spare parts, taxes, and vehicle maintenance without any corresponding adjustments.

“The silence of the authorities on this matter is creating tension and confusion within the transport industry and among commuters across the country.”

The unions have made clear that if no concrete action is taken by Monday to address the disparity and restore fairness in the sector, drivers across all affiliated unions will implement a 20% increase in transport fares nationwide.

Deputy Public Relations Officer of the Union, Samuel Amoah, said the decision was taken in response to assurances by President John Dramani Mahama that measures have been put in place to ease fuel costs.

Speaking on Ekosii Sen on Asempa FM, he noted that transport operators will maintain current fares while monitoring developments in the fuel pricing regime.

“The president has assured that fuel prices will reduce, so we have rescinded our decision to increase transport fares and will hold on,” he said.

Government recently announced that it will absorb GH¢2.00 per litre on diesel and GH¢0.36 per litre on petrol for one month, effective April 16, 2026, as part of efforts to cushion consumers against rising global petroleum prices.

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Reckless driving has become a growing concern on Ghana’s roads, particularly within the commercial transport sector. Passengers often face a dilemma: speak up and risk confrontation or stay silent and compromise their safety.

Those who caution drivers are frequently met with hostility, with some drivers ignoring concerns or even asking passengers to alight abruptly. This discourages passengers from speaking up and leaves many feeling powerless in situations where they should feel protected.

An incident along the Tesano–Abeka stretch yesterday highlights the issue. A driver reportedly drove recklessly, and when passengers attempted to caution him, he became angry, ordering them to either get down or remain silent, sparking confusion in the vehicle.

In response, GPRTU’s Public Relations Officer, Samuel Amoah, told Adom News that the union plans to introduce monitoring systems to track driver behavior. This will make it easier for passengers and authorities to report reckless driving.

He advised that passengers report incidents to the vehicle’s station or take note of the driver’s car number. Passengers are also encouraged to report rude or aggressive behavior to the nearest police station. In cases where a police station is not nearby, he urged passengers to stay calm and avoid escalating tensions, as confrontations could distract the driver and cause accidents.

Meanwhile, several Ghanaians speaking to Adom News linked the country’s road accidents directly to reckless driving, calling for stronger accountability and safety measures.

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Speaking on JoyNews’ The Pulse on Thursday, Mr Amoah explained that the GPRTU leadership had planned to meet with the Ministry of Transport to table concerns about transport rates.

However, due to the Easter holidays, most ministers were away in their constituencies, delaying the planned engagement.

“The Minister has scheduled a meeting for Tuesday to discuss the way forward. Until this meeting takes place, we have not reached a conclusion on whether there will be an increment or the percentage, if any, that will be applied,” he said.

He further appealed to drivers to remain patient and avoid taking unilateral actions, stressing that the leadership intends to finalise discussions with the Ministry before any decisions on fare adjustments are announced.

Mr. Amoah stated that the purpose of the upcoming meeting is to formally engage the Ministry before any official announcement is made.

The GPRTU leadership assured members that updates would be provided promptly following the Tuesday meeting.

Earlier, GPRTU called on the government to review taxes on petroleum products, warning of a potential increase in transport fares.

This call comes amid rising global oil prices linked to ongoing geopolitical tensions, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which continue to impact local fuel prices.

Transport operators say any further increase at the pumps will inevitably be passed on to commuters, as operational costs surge. The GPRTU has indicated that while fares have remained unchanged for now, sustained fuel price hikes will force a review.

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Deputy PRO Samuel Amoah said the union will reverse any proposed fare increase if the government’s announced tax reduction leads to a meaningful drop in prices.

“If the President announces it and it reflects at the pump, we will revert — we will revert whatever decision we made,” he said on the AM Show.

“But we just want to see the feasibility. We want to see it at the pump before we also know what to do.”

His comments come as the global energy crisis deepens. Fuel prices have surged sharply in recent weeks following the escalation of US–Iran hostilities.

Washington’s launch of Operation Epic Fury on 28 February triggered retaliatory attacks from Iran and a temporary closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping corridor for global oil.

The disruption sent crude prices soaring above $100 per barrel, destabilising markets and weakening several emerging-market currencies.

Locally, transport operators say the spillover effects have been severe.

Beyond fuel, drivers are grappling with rising spare parts prices, increased insurance premiums and higher DVLA renewal fees — all contributing to intensified pressure on transport businesses already operating on thin margins.

Amoah noted that the government had previously assured the union through the “middle price window” mechanism that fuel price spikes would not be passed on to consumers. That commitment, he suggested, has not materialised as expected.

“They gave us a promise through the middle price window that they are going to work on it so that it will not reflect this time,” he said. “So yes, it’s something we’re looking at, but we just want to see the feasibility.”

The GPRTU is expected to meet later today to compute a potential fare adjustment based on current operating costs before forwarding a formal proposal to the Ministry of Transport.

Should the government announce and implement tax cuts before the proposal is submitted, the ministry is expected to relay updated information to the union for consideration.

However, Amoah admitted that reducing fares after an increase is announced is extremely challenging for both operators and the public.

“You see how difficult it is when you have to reverse an increment in fares?” he asked.

He added that the union would consider maintaining current fares if fuel prices return to earlier levels, around GH¢14.90 for diesel and GH¢12 to GH¢13 per litre for petrol.

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Speaking on JoyNews Desk on Monday, 16 March, Samuel Amoah clarified that no automatic fare adjustments are made in response to calls from drivers. Instead, the process is guided by a structured review conducted by the union’s technical experts.

His comments follow the increase in fuel prices at the pumps at the beginning of the Second Pricing Window in March.

Checks by Joy Business on March 16, 2026, showed that diesel is going for GH¢15.99, up from the previous price of GH¢14.36 announced by Star Oil on March 15, 2026.

Star Oil, in a circular to its service stations across the country, as sighted by Joy Business, directed all managers to update this new price at 8 am today, March 16, 2026.

GOIL is also reported to have adjusted its prices on Sunday, March 15, 2026.

A litre of petrol is now selling at GH¢11.57, while diesel is going for GH¢14.35.

The development comes amid mounting pressure from drivers, who cite escalating operational costs as making it increasingly difficult to sustain their businesses. Many drivers have called for an increase in transport fares to mitigate the financial strain.

However, leaders of the GPRTU have stated that there is no firm conclusion.

“Before there is an increment in transport fares, we have a team that works on it,” Mr Amoah explained. “What they normally do is check the components that we use to run the business, then they check how much percentage has increased. After that, they report to the national office.”

According to Mr Amoah, the technical team conducts a detailed assessment of key operational inputs—including fuel, vehicle maintenance, and other running costs—to determine whether rising expenses justify a fare adjustment. The findings are then submitted to the union’s national executives, who decide if the prevailing conditions warrant a change in fares.

“They will report to the national officers, and the national officers will also come up and see if it calls for an increment,” he added.

The union has arranged a meeting with the technical team to evaluate the current situation and chart the way forward. “Hopefully by today, by 1 pm, the GPRTU is inviting the technical team to come and see if there is a problem and to see where we are heading regarding a possible increase,” Mr Amoah said.

“Basically, all the drivers are calling for an increase in transport fares,” Mr Amoah revealed. However, he emphasised that the union will not rely solely on these demands in making a decision. “We normally don’t depend solely on the drivers calling for increments. We consider and check all the other components before we arrive at a point,” he said.

For the time being, the union maintains that no decision has been reached. “As I’m speaking to you now, I can’t specifically say that there is going to be an increment of transport fares until we are through with the meeting and a decision is made,” Mr Amoah concluded.

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He insisted that failure to belong to a transport union does not constitute a criminal offence under Ghanaian law.

Speaking on Joy FM’s Top Story while offering legal insight into the arrests, Mr Kpebu said the power to arrest is strictly governed by law and can only be exercised where a clearly defined offence exists.

“Not belonging to a union is not a crime. When you want to arrest somebody, there must be an offence, and that offence must have been written down in law and approved by Parliament. If it has not been written in law, then it is not an offence,” he said.

His comments come in the wake of the arrest of 15 drivers in Ablekuma, Accra, by the GPRTU task force for allegedly charging unapproved fares and operating outside union structures.

Mr Kpebu explained that even if transport operators are encouraged or required by regulation to belong to a recognised union, such a requirement does not automatically translate into criminal liability.

“Saying that you should belong to a union is different from saying that if you don’t belong to a union, you have committed a criminal offence. The two are completely separate,” he said.

He cited Article 19 of the 1992 Constitution, which guarantees fair trial and due process, and emphasised that arresting a person without a lawful basis violates fundamental rights.

“When you arrest someone without an offence known to law, you are acting outside the Constitution,” he noted.

To illustrate his point, the lawyer drew a comparison with marital disputes, explaining that not every wrongdoing is criminal in nature.

“If a spouse cheats, it is reprehensible and may be grounds for divorce, but it is not a criminal offence that you can take to the police. In the same way, not belonging to a union cannot be treated as a crime,” he said.

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Speaking in an interview on Joy FM’s Top Story on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, Mr Osei Nyarko said no law in Ghana empowers the GPRTU or any transport union to arrest drivers for allegedly charging multiple fares.

“It is quite unfortunate that some 15 drivers have been arrested. I have tried very hard to look for what law permits the GPRTU task force to arrest these drivers, and as we speak, there are no such laws,” he said.

According to him, Ghana operates a liberalised economy where pricing is largely determined by market forces, and neither unions nor even the police have the authority to arrest commercial drivers solely for overcharging passengers.

“We are not in the PNDC era, where prices were controlled. That era is long past,” he added.

The Akim Swedru MP argued that if a driver flouts union rules or agreed fare structures, the appropriate sanction should be administrative, such as suspension or withdrawal of union membership, rather than arrest.

He warned that the “high-handed approach” adopted by the union would only worsen the current vehicle shortage situation rather than resolve it.

“Arresting drivers is not the approach I expect government or the GPRTU to use in resolving the vehicle shortage issue. It will rather aggravate the problem,” he noted.

His comments follow an operation by the GPRTU task force in Ablekuma, where 15 drivers were arrested for allegedly charging multiple fares.

Confirming the development, the National Guard Commander of the GPRTU, Derumond Ekow Gaise, told JoyNews on January 21 that the arrests formed part of a wider effort to tackle driver indiscipline and enforce approved fare structures in the city.

“The operation is aimed at enforcing discipline and ensuring drivers comply with approved fares,” he said.

However, some of the arrested drivers have rejected the accusations, describing their arrest as unjustified and an abuse of power.

Mr Osei Nyarko stressed that dialogue and engagement, rather than force, should be used to address fare-related disputes, recalling that previous administrations adopted more consultative approaches to resolve similar challenges.

“You don’t go arresting people because you think they are overcharging. The previous administration used dialogue and a human face to solve these problems. That is the approach I expect government and the GPRTU to adopt,” he added.

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Speaking to JoyNews on January 21, National Guard Commander of the GPRTU, Derumond Ekow Gaise, said the operation is part of a wider effort to tackle driver indiscipline in the city and enforce approved fare structures.

“This is part of the tougher steps we are taking to curb illegal operations by drivers,” Mr Gaise said, explaining that the task force is also targeting drivers who operate “short short” trips — moving passengers between points without completing the full route.

However, some of the arrested drivers have described their arrests as unjustified. One driver told JoyNews he had only charged the normal fare and was unfairly targeted.

“They arrested me because I am charging unapproved fees. That is not true. I haven’t charged anyone double fare,” he said, describing how he was going from Odorkor to Pokuase and back without deviating from his normal route.

He also complained about communication from the union, saying proper consultation and negotiation with drivers were lacking. “Even if you call yourself a union, your members are us. You have to call us and negotiate. They did not call me for the meeting yesterday,” he added.

Mr Gaise, however, defended the operation, saying it will help restore order and discipline in Accra’s transport system. He appealed to the police to take the arrested drivers to court so that offenders can face legal consequences and set an example.

“Operations now are targeting those who take passengers short distances while claiming longer routes, and those who charge over their approved fares. When the police take them to court, it will help enforce discipline,” he said.

The GPRTU has warned that similar operations will continue across the city to ensure drivers adhere to regulations, protect commuter interests, and reduce disputes on public transport routes in Accra.

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This is part of efforts to reintroduce identification tags for commercial vehicles to address unauthorised fare increases.

The planned engagement follows an announcement by the Ministry of Transport that transport unions had agreed to bring back vehicle identification tags as a regulatory measure to help sanitise the sector and protect commuters from exploitation by unapproved or “floating” drivers.

Speaking on Channel One TV on Monday, January 19, the Deputy Industrial and Public Relations Officer of the GPRTU, Samuel Amoah, said the meeting would centre on finalising the framework for rolling out the identification system, with particular attention on Greater Accra, where fare-related complaints are most frequent.

He explained that the regional leadership would work with Welfare Executives to agree on the design and visibility of the tags to ensure they are easily recognisable by passengers. “

Since the current problem is with Greater Accra, the regional leadership is meeting all the Welfare executives tomorrow to plan the implementation,” Mr Amoah said.

He added that while the exact form of the identification tags was yet to be determined, the priority was visibility.

“We will decide on how it will be visible. However, we will do something that will be visible; it doesn’t necessarily have to do with colour. That is why we are meeting the various Welfare Executives tomorrow,” he noted.

Beyond the identification tags, the union is also expected to put in place a dedicated task force to monitor compliance and enforce approved fare structures across commercial transport routes.

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen programme, GPRTU Public Relations Officer Samuel Amoah explained that traffic congestion is largely caused by the increasing number of passengers, vehicle breakdowns, and poor road conditions.

According to him, many commercial vehicles are currently off the roads due to mechanical faults, while some drivers avoid badly deteriorated roads, resulting in shortages at terminals during peak hours.

“It is not our intention to withhold vehicles from passengers. We remain committed to providing adequate transport services,” he stressed.

Another GPRTU PRO, Alex Amoah, also clarified that the union has not sanctioned any fare increases in response to traffic congestion or vehicle shortages.

“The GPRTU has not authorised any fare increments. Any driver charging unapproved fares is acting in their own interest and not on behalf of the union,” he stated.

He added that the union has held discussions with the Ministry of Transport, with the Vice President in attendance, to find lasting solutions to the challenges facing commuters.

The GPRTU has assured the public that it does not support arbitrary fare hikes and is working with relevant authorities to address congestion and improve transport services.

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The claims were made earlier by the Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, during the Government Accountability Series on Wednesday, January 14, 2026.

The Abura Asebu-Kwamankese MP had suggested that some commercial drivers were deliberately limiting vehicle availability to inflate fares, despite recent reductions in fuel prices and import duties on spare parts.

However, speaking in an interview on Adom TV’s Trotro, Mr. Imoro explained that most drivers rely on daily earnings to survive and would not intentionally keep their vehicles off the road at the expense of their income.

He emphasised that GPRTU has consistently condemned any driver who exploits passengers, particularly during evening rush hours when commuters face difficulty securing transport. “We are committed to protecting passengers from unfair practices,” he added.

In response to the concerns, the Minister of Transport, Joseph Nikpe, has scheduled a meeting with transport unions to address the issue and ensure that errant operators are held accountable, aiming to ease the hardships faced by commuters.

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Speaking on Adom Trotro, GPRTU Public Relations Officer, Abass Imoro, said the meeting will focus on finding sustainable solutions to the challenges commuters face, particularly during peak hours.

He emphasised that the union is concerned about reports of some drivers charging unapproved fares due to limited vehicle availability, stressing that GPRTU does not condone such practices.

“Drivers have been consistently cautioned not to exploit passengers. Issues such as vehicle breakdowns, traffic congestion, or fuel shortages should never be used as an excuse to increase fares arbitrarily,” Mr. Imoro said.

He added that the engagement with the Transport Ministry is expected to produce clearer policies and collaborative measures to protect commuters while ensuring fairness to drivers.

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Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, Mr. Amoah explained that while the GPRTU has clear by-laws and can enforce fare rules among its members, it has no authority over drivers operating outside the union.

“The one thing we will do is that we need police help. We have our by-laws, and being part of the group means you have to follow these laws. Even when we reduced lorry fares by 5 percent last year, we documented it and gave written instructions for all our drivers to abide by it. But if you are not a member of the union, we don’t have the power to discipline you” he said.

He added that government engagement with transport unions is important to ensure compliance.

“If the Transport Minister calls a meeting on any fares agreement, union drivers can participate and have a say. But drivers outside the union will always find ways to overcharge unless the government intervenes,” he said.

Mr. Amoah further urged that drivers operating outside established unions or associations should either join an existing union or legally form an association to be recognised and regulated.

“The solution lies with the government, Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDCEs), and the Road Safety Authority to create clear rules that will control drivers in Ghana,” he said.

His comments come after Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, criticised deliberate attempts by some transport operators to withhold vehicles to overcharge passengers.

The GPRTU emphasised that sustained enforcement and public cooperation are critical to curbing fare abuse and restoring confidence in public transport operations.

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The statement follows criticism from the Minister of State in charge of Government Communication, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, who accused some transport operators of creating artificial vehicle scarcity to increase fares.

Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, the Deputy Industrial and Public Relations Officer of the GPRTU, Samuel Amoah, said the union does not sanction such conduct and would never direct its members to flout fare regulations or abandon official stations.

“These problems happening at the roadside, where passengers are stranded and drivers take advantage to charge unapproved fares, involve vehicles that do not belong to the union. Most of these are floating vehicles,” he said.

Mr. Amoah disclosed that the union has already held internal meetings and is taking steps to strengthen enforcement among its members. He revealed that a taskforce will be deployed to ensure compliance on the roads.

“We will be hitting the streets with our taskforce to ensure that if our vehicles are found engaging in such practices, we will cause their arrest and impose sanctions,” he stated.

He further advised commuters to use vehicles from designated GPRTU stations rather than boarding vehicles by the roadside, noting that unionised drivers operate within approved routes, pay required fees, and are subject to monitoring.

“We encourage passengers to use these stations rather than catching vehicles from the roadside,” he added.

Mr. Amoah emphasised that the alleged fare abuses are largely linked to unaffiliated drivers operating outside established transport terminals, stressing that the union remains committed to upholding approved fares and protecting commuters.

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The move comes after Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, criticised what he described as deliberate attempts by some transport operators to withhold vehicles to overcharge passengers.

Speaking on Accra-based Channel One TV, the Deputy Industrial and Public Relations Officer of the GPRTU, Samuel Amoah, stressed that the union does not support fare manipulation and is prepared to act against offending members.

“We had a meeting today. We will be hitting the streets with our taskforce to ensure that if our vehicles are found engaging in such practices, we will cause their arrest and impose sanctions. We will be meeting the Transport Minister hopefully by Friday,” he said.

Mr. Amoah explained that the planned enforcement exercise will be carried out in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service and Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to ensure compliance across key transport corridors.

“We will be organising our union guards and request from the Minister to allow the police to come in. The MMDCEs will also come in. We will be standing at vantage points where we believe most of these floating drivers park. It is there that we will identify offenders. Those affiliated with the GPRTU will be sanctioned; those that are not, the law will take its course,” he added.

He further advised commuters to board vehicles only from designated transport terminals rather than along the roadside, noting that official stations allow for better regulation, payment of tolls, and monitoring of driver conduct.

The GPRTU emphasised that sustained enforcement and public cooperation are critical to curbing fare abuse and restoring confidence in public transport operations.

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The development was disclosed by the Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, while speaking at the Government Accountability Series on Wednesday, January 14, 2026.

He said some commercial drivers are engaging in rent-seeking behaviour by deliberately limiting vehicle availability to inflate fares, despite recent reductions in fuel prices and import duties on spare parts.

According to Mr. Kwakye Ofosu, the Transport Minister has scheduled a meeting with transport unions to address the issue and call errant operators to order in order to ease the hardship faced by commuters.

He explained that some drivers deliberately avoid designated stations and instead roam around urban centres, particularly during peak hours, to exploit passengers who are desperate for transport.

Mr. Kwakye Ofosu described the practice as unlawful and stressed that government is determined to clamp down on operators who engage in such activities.

He noted that following a 15 per cent reduction in transport fares after successive fuel price cuts, some operators have resorted to creating artificial shortages to maximise profits.

He assured commuters that government will take decisive action to restore sanity in the transport sector and improve movement within the capital, especially during morning and evening rush hours.

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Speaking in an interview on Accra-based Channel One TV, the union’s Public Relations Officer, Abass Imoro, stressed that arbitrary fare hikes are unlawful and attract sanctions under existing regulations.

He explained that changes in transport fares are guided by a defined process and are formally announced to the public to ensure transparency and prevent abuse.

“Each time we adjust fares, either up or down, a formal communiqué is issued by the Ministry of Transport and disseminated through the media. Since the 15 percent reduction, fares have remained unchanged,” he said.

Imoro warned that drivers who increase fares on their own initiative are acting outside the law and engaging in unfair practices.

“If anybody on their own decides to raise the fare, they are violating the law. It is the duty of law enforcement to take action against such practices. As a union, we do not support this behaviour; it amounts to cheating,” he stated.

He also encouraged passengers to take a firm stand by refusing to patronise vehicles that charge above the approved rates.

“Passengers must resist paying more than the approved fare. If you refuse to board a vehicle charging beyond the regulated rate, operators will be compelled to comply with the law,” he added.

The caution follows growing complaints from commuters in several urban areas, where drivers are alleged to be imposing unauthorised fare increases, renewing concerns about enforcement and discipline within the public transport sector.

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Speaking to Adom News’ Mohammed Radiu Dinn Rasko in Dunkwa-on-Offin, he dismissed claims that road accidents are caused by spiritual forces, insisting that human error remains the leading factor.

“Fatigue, overspeeding, and poor judgement account for most of the crashes recorded nationwide,” he said.

Iddrisu explained that drivers who operate from recognised stations are supervised, comply with union regulations, and are encouraged to rest properly before embarking on long journeys. This level of monitoring, he noted, makes them less likely to engage in behaviours that lead to accidents compared to drivers who load passengers along the roadside without oversight.

He also appealed to passengers to take responsibility for their own safety by speaking up whenever drivers speed or exhibit reckless behaviour.

“Road safety is a collective responsibility,” Iddrisu emphasised, calling for greater cooperation between drivers and passengers to prevent avoidable accidents during the busy festive travel period.

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In a statement issued on October 8, 2025, the Union clarified that its earlier appeal to the government was aimed solely at ensuring stability in fuel prices, not announcing a fare adjustment.

According to the statement, the GPRTU acknowledged that any fare increment has widespread effects on the economy and emphasized that it has no immediate plans to raise fares.

“We wish to appeal to the government for stability in fuel prices in this last quarter of the year. We also call on the general public to remain calm and for drivers and commuters to maintain existing fares,” the statement read.

The GPRTU reiterated its commitment to serving both the government and the people of Ghana, assuring stakeholders that any future decisions regarding transport fares would be communicated transparently.

Source: AdomOnline

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The protesters, made up of drivers, traders, and market women, accused private developers of encroaching on the land with the backing of the Railway Authority.

Addressing the crowd, the Industrial Relations Officer of the GPRTU, Alhaji Abass Imoro, lamented the continuous loss of their stations to private interests.

“As we speak now, another businessman has come saying some portions have also been allocated to him. Surprisingly, these issues come up due to the activities of the Railway Authority. But if you are a manager or director at the Railway, the government land does not belong to you,” he said.

He further appealed for intervention, stressing: “We are pleading with the authority because GPRTU believes in dialogue. Come to our aid and ensure we revamp the lorry station because we are losing what we have.”

The group later presented a petition at the presidency, where it was received by Bridget Otoo, Presidential Staffer in charge of Government Communication. She assured them that their concerns would be carefully reviewed and addressed.

The Concerned Drivers Association also endorsed the protest, with its President, William Osei, calling on drivers to park their vehicles in solidarity.

Market women who joined the demonstration expressed fears that the takeover would destroy their livelihoods.

They appealed directly to Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang and First Lady Lordina Mahama to intervene, warning that thousands of traders and informal workers risk displacement if the projects continue.

Source: Adomonline

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The march has been scheduled for Tuesday, September 16.

Speaking at a press conference in Accra, GPRTU Deputy Public Relations Officer, Samuel Amoah, disclosed that the union will present a petition to government at the presidency.

The aggrieved groups seek to petition the government to intervene and protect the land earmarked for commercial transport operations.

The Concerned Drivers Association has thrown its weight behind the protest, with its President, William Osei, urging drivers to park their vehicles in solidarity, a move expected to disrupt transport services and commuter traffic across the city.

Organisers say the demonstration aims to send a clear message to private investors and government about the severity of the situation.

Market women have also joined the campaign, voicing fears that losing the lorry station lands will destroy their livelihoods.

They have appealed to the Vice President, Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, and First Lady, Lordina Mahama, to step in and halt the projects, warning that thousands of traders and informal workers would be displaced if the takeover goes ahead.

Source: Prince Owusu Asiedu

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This was due to the unavailability of buses at the various terminals at the main station in the Volta Regional capital.

The majority of these passengers who were youth and students returning home for their vacations were uncertain about going according to their daily schedules.

At the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) branch 2 terminal, Ernestina Ohene, explained that she got to a different loading terminal at about 6 am but had to leave for the branch 2 terminal because of the “protocol” being used in selecting passengers.

“Those selling the tickets, were doing protocol, since they knew some people and others were paying money to them. So, I had to leave and come here”, she narrated.

She lamented being behind schedule as she would transit from Accra to Techiman, where she would spend the holidays with her family.

A tourist from the United States, Samira, described the experience as “frustrating” as she and her clique had been in a queue for over two hours, hoping to get a vehicle to Accra.

“It is really frustrating, communication here is really bad and we don’t know when the next bus is coming”, she said.

She fears one of her friends may not meet her flight schedule due to the occurrence adding that “we’re just praying she gets to the airport in time for her flight back home.”

The Vice Chairman of GORTU Branch 2, Lawrence Awilo Atittoe said that festive activities over the weekend in and around Ho primarily led to the influx of passengers.

He further added that “this kind of situation is occasionally experienced at the end of the month in Ho, but I am trying to bring in buses from other terminals to help convey the passengers”.

There was a similar occurrence at the State Transport (STC) yard, where about 20 vehicles had left before midday.

However, there were still passengers in long queues waiting for their turn, to make their journey to the Greater Accra Region.

The STC Station Manager, Richard Ahiafor, explained that the Accra stations were experiencing a drought of passengers and hence unable to come to Ho to convey passengers back to Accra.

He expressed hope that the situation would improve as the day progressed, assuring passengers of a safe arrival at their destinations.

Source: Fred Quame Asare

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The decision comes after the union observed that the contractor has returned to the site and resumed work on the long-neglected road, which serves as a major route for both commercial and private motorists.

Speaking to Adom News, the Industrial Relations Officer of the GPRTU, Alhaji Abass Imoro, confirmed the suspension of the strike.

“We have suspended the planned industrial action because work has resumed on the road. As a union, our concern was the delay and hardship our members and passengers were facing. Now that the contractor is back on site, we will monitor the progress,” he said.

Alhaji Imoro explained that the decision to call off the strike was made after the union confirmed that construction had restarted on the Ofankor–Nsawam stretch.

The GPRTU had earlier expressed frustration over the poor condition of the road, which they said was endangering lives, damaging vehicles, and causing unnecessary delays for commercial drivers.

The union said it will continue to engage with authorities and monitor the construction closely to ensure that the work is completed on time and meets the necessary standards.

Source: Prince Owusu Asiedu

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Speaking on Channel One Newsroom, the Union’s National Deputy Public Relations Officer, Samuel Amoah, stressed that the strike would go ahead unless contractors return to site.

“The only thing that will make us change our mind is seeing the contractors back on the road. Honpourable Agbodza assured us that within six weeks works would resume, and that funds had already been released. The question now is, what has changed?” he asked.

Mr Amoah noted that the union had already issued government a one-week ultimatum, which expires on Wednesday, 20 August.

“As stated in our release, we will park our vehicles until contractors are sent back to site. This is not a demonstration but a sit-down strike, and it will commence once the deadline passes,” he said.

The GPRTU, the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC), and other stakeholders have previously described the condition of the road as “deplorable and dangerous”.

They argue that the poor state of the stretch has driven up vehicle maintenance costs, caused frequent breakdowns, and posed severe safety risks to both drivers and passengers.

The Pokuase–Nsawam road is a key highway linking Greater Accra with the Eastern, Ashanti, and northern regions.

According to transport operators, its neglect is hampering economic activity and worsening the burden on commuters.

Although the Minister for Roads and Highways pledged that repairs would begin within six weeks, the unions insist there has been no visible progress, hence their planned industrial action.

They are now calling on residents, commuters, and all affected road users to support the strike as part of a wider civic effort to hold the government accountable.

Source: myjoyonline.com

In an exclusive interview with Adom News’ Jagri Boaz Binyinjom, the Deputy Public Relations Officer of the GPRTU, Samuel Amoah, expressed surprise at the announcement, stating that the union was not part of any consultations leading to such a decision.

“We only got the news yesterday, and we were surprised. We were not involved in any discussions or decision-making process regarding this fare increment by the GRTCC,” Mr. Amoah said.

He explained that fare adjustments are typically determined through thorough consultation involving all relevant stakeholders, including the Ministry of Transport.

“Usually, we sit around the table with all stakeholders, including the Ministry of Transport, before arriving at any decision on fare adjustments. But in this case, we were not part of it,” he added.

Mr. Amoah said the GPRTU will be engaging the Ministry of Transport in the coming days to discuss the matter and determine the appropriate way forward. He also questioned the feasibility of implementing the proposed increase.

“As it stands, the increment announced by the GRTCC, which is supposed to take effect from August 8, 2025, may not be possible,” he noted.

He, however, acknowledged the possibility of fare adjustments in the future, depending on prevailing economic conditions.

“There is a possibility of transport fare increases in the future, but such decisions must go through the right processes,” Mr. Amoah added.

Source: Jagri Boaz Binyinjom

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In an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, the Public Relations Officer, Abass Imoro, reiterated that transport operators feel betrayed, considering they were asked to reduce fares by 15% barely two weeks ago.

He emphasised that if the union had been aware of the impending fuel levy, their approach to the fare reduction would have been different.

“The fare reduction was a risk we had to take, and we were not happy because the prices of other components are still high, even though there was a reduction in fuel prices,” he stated.

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According to the Union, the timing of the levy hike is deeply troubling, especially as it comes just days after drivers across the country implemented the fare cut.

The GPRTU has since issued a warning that it may stage a nationwide strike should the government fail to address the issue by 10 June 2025.

Speaking on Citi FM on Thursday, 5 June, the Union’s Industrial Relations Officer, Abass Imoro, condemned the lack of transparency in the government’s dealings.

He said the authorities failed to disclose their intentions during fare negotiation meetings, which, in his view, was highly deceptive.

“They knew very well that they had this under their sleeves, and yet we sat with them, engaged in talks about the 15% fare reduction, and reached a consensus,” Mr Imoro lamented.

“It is extremely painful because had we known this was coming, we would have taken a different stance. The reduction wouldn’t have been as deep.”

Mr Imoro further criticised the absence of consultation, especially given the central role drivers play in fuel consumption.

He insisted the levy increase not only erodes the impact of the fare reduction but also worsens the financial burden on drivers.

“We are major players in the fuel sector, and it is only fair that government engages us before taking such decisions,” he said.

In an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, Public Relations Officer Abbas Ibrahim Moro stated that commercial transport operators would not have implemented the 15% fare reduction had they anticipated the current developments.

“If they knew they had this under their sleeves, they should have told us, because for us to reduce transport fares and they bring this in, they haven’t been fair to us. The GH¢1 is very significant and the timing is wrong,” he stated.

Expressing strong opposition, Mr. Moro warned that the GPRTU would give the government until June 10 to withdraw the levy and initiate stakeholder engagement.

He lamented that the levy would bring untold hardship to commercial drivers and transport business owners nationwide.

According to him, the decision to implement the levy was taken without adequate consultation and risks pushing many operators out of business due to rising operational costs.

“We are therefore calling on the government to reverse the levy immediately and engage us and stakeholders on the way forward. If our call is not heeded, we will be compelled to take industrial action and park our vehicles on June 10, 2025.

“We urge the government to consider the impact of the levy on the transport sector and the consequences of our action on the economy, and engage us in meaningful deliberations to help address challenges in the energy sector,” he said.

The new levy, which has sparked mixed reactions, follows the approval of the Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Bill, 2025, by Parliament.

The bill imposes a GH¢1 increase in the levy on petroleum products and is expected to generate an estimated GH¢5.7 billion in revenue.

The Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has said that the revenue generated will be used to reduce the country’s ballooning energy sector debt, which currently stands at $3.1 billion.

He added that an additional $1.2 billion will also be needed to procure fuel for thermal power generation in 2025.

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GPRTU Public Relations Officer Abbas Ibrahim Moro said this in an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem.

Acknowledging that some drivers have defied the directive, he noted that the majority are already complying with the reduction, which took effect on Saturday, May 24, 2025.

“We have done our part by communicating the reduction and informing our members, who are complying earnestly. But a few members of unregistered unions have decided not to comply. So it is in the hands of law enforcement agencies to ensure full compliance,” he stated.

Mr. Imoro warned that drivers who fail to adhere to the new fare structure will face sanctions and encouraged the public to report any instances of non-compliance.

“The law enforcement agencies must set an example out of some drivers and let people know we are governed by laws and they work. There is no way any member will do unlawful things and go scot-free,” he added.

The 15% fare reduction is part of measures to ease the burden on Ghanaians following recent fuel price cuts and consultations between transport unions and relevant stakeholders.

However, commercial transport operators remain divided over the implementation, citing the high cost of spare parts and vehicle maintenance.

Despite this, Mr. Imoro said some stations have implemented strict measures to ensure adherence and believe the reduction is a step in the right direction.

“I have monitored and toured some stations and I can say the drivers are complying. I am the branch chairman at Abeka-Lapaz main station and there, if any driver refuses to charge the new fare, you are not allowed to pick passengers and won’t work there,” he noted.

Source: Gertrude Otchere

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Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, Mr. Moro described the move as a calculated risk aimed at relieving the burden on passengers following a drop in fuel prices.

“What we’ve done is just like playing the lottery—it’s a big risk. It can either go against us or benefit us, but we believe it’s the right thing to do,” he said.

Mr. Moro revealed that the fare reduction was agreed upon after a meeting between the GPRTU national executives and officials from the Ministry of Transport.

He stated that the decision was primarily influenced by the 18% drop in fuel prices across the country.

“Fuel prices have dropped, and that’s the only factor we’ve considered. Typically, we adjust fares based on a third of the fuel price change, but this time we opted for a 15% reduction to ease the burden on passengers,” he noted.

He admitted that some drivers may resist implementing the new fares but warned that there will be consequences for defiance.

“If your Union has decided, you have no option but to comply. If any driver refuses to reduce the fare as directed, passengers should report them to the nearest police station. We are not saying anyone should be beaten. Please, don’t beat any driver—just report them,” Mr. Moro stressed.

Addressing claims that he allegedly encouraged passengers to assault non-compliant drivers, Moro strongly denied it.

“I never said drivers should be beaten. That’s not even appropriate. What I said was that passengers should report such drivers to the authorities,” he clarified.

On how the GPRTU plans to ensure compliance and prevent arguments with passengers, he encouraged transport operators to display both the old and new fares.

“To avoid unnecessary arguments, we always advise our members to post both the old and the new fares clearly for passengers to see,” he said.

He also acknowledged the pressure from passengers for fare reductions and urged them to be patient and cooperative.

“Passengers didn’t even give us time—they kept calling us to reduce fares. We understand them, and that’s why we’ve acted now,” he stated.

He concluded by expressing hope that all stakeholders, including other transport unions, will come on board to implement the fare reduction.

“When the time comes, we believe we can all come together and reduce the fares to benefit everyone,” he added.

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The decision follows a meeting between the GPRTU’s National Executive and the Minister of Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, held on Monday, May 19, 2025.

Public Relations Officer Abbas Ibrahim Moro, who confirmed the adjustment, said it is a direct response to an 18% drop in fuel prices.

“We just had a meeting with the Minister of Transport and we have agreed that, effective Saturday, May 25, transport fares must be reduced by 15%,” he told Accra-based 3news.

Mr. Moro explained that while the GPRTU typically uses one-third of any fuel price reduction as the basis for adjusting fares, this particular cut is meant to further ease the burden on passengers.

“We normally use one-third of the fuel price reduction to adjust fares, but we opted for 15% this time to reflect the fuel price trend. We also expect our counterparts in the spare parts industry to follow suit and reduce their prices.

“We want to place on record that we did not wait for the other components of our cost build-up to reduce before implementing the 15% reduction,” he added.

Meanwhile, he warned that union members who fail to comply with the directive will face disciplinary action.

“If your union has decided, you have no option but to comply,” he cautioned.

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Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Tuesday, March 18, the Deputy PRO of GPRTU, Samuel Amoah, explained that spare parts, insurance, DVLA charges, and other operational costs play a critical role in fare determination.

“Before December, we had plans of increasing transport fares—first, because of the high cost of spare parts; then, where the fuel price was also heading; and the cost of lubricants, insurance, and DVLA taxes,” Amoah stated.

“But we held on, thinking that things would improve because of the promises we had that going forward, things were going to get better.”

He acknowledged that fuel prices have seen a slight reduction but argued that it is not enough to warrant a fare decrease.

“Yes, we have seen that fuel prices are coming down a little bit. But what I can say is that it has not gotten to the level that would call for a reduction in transport fares.”

Amoah stressed that fuel prices are just one of many variables considered when deciding on fare adjustments.

“We don’t only consider fuel prices to determine our transport fares,” he explained.

“We have other components, like the cost of spare parts, as I earlier mentioned. We also consider the cost of lubricants, taxes, and other petroleum products.”

He outlined the process GPRTU follows before making any fare changes.

“We normally have a 10% threshold that we check on,” he said. “We compare where the fuel price was and where it has gotten to.

“Then, we send a team to the market to check where the prices of these other components have moved to. Based on their reports, we determine whether there should be a percentage reduction or an increment.”

According to Amoah, the last time transport fares were increased, fuel prices were around ¢12 per litre.

“If you check the previous time we increased transport fares, I believe the fuel price was around ¢12 per litre—I stand to be corrected,” he said.

“Looking at it now, diesel is about ¢15.49, and petrol is about ¢14.99.”

He made it clear that until fuel prices drop significantly, fare reductions remain unlikely.

“We are praying that fuel should come down to at least around ¢12 per litre,” he stated.

“If it comes down to that level, we will also check where the prices of spare parts have gotten to. But with the current cost of spare parts, it will be difficult for us to reduce transport fares.”

His remarks highlight the complex nature of transport fare adjustments, reinforcing GPRTU’s stance that reducing fares is not solely dependent on fuel prices but also on other operational costs affecting transport operators.

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Speaking on PM Express on Tuesday, March 18, the Deputy Public Relations Officer of GPRTU, Samuel Amoah, explained the factors influencing fare adjustments and why a reduction has not yet been implemented despite the recent dip in fuel prices.

“Before December, we were already considering increasing transport fares due to the high cost of spare parts, rising fuel prices, expensive lubricants, insurance, and DVLA taxes,” Amoah revealed.

“But we decided to hold on because we had been promised that things would get better.”

While acknowledging that fuel prices have slightly decreased, he stressed that the reduction is not yet significant enough to warrant a fare cut.

“Yes, we have seen the fuel price coming down a little bit, but it has not gotten to the level where it will call for a reduction in transport fares,” he said.

Mr. Amoah explained that fare adjustments are based on multiple factors beyond just fuel prices.

“We normally have a 10% threshold that we check on. We assess where the fuel price was and where it has gotten to, but we also consider other components like spare parts, lubricants, and various taxes,” he noted.

“When deciding to either increase or reduce fares, our team goes to the market to assess these factors before making recommendations.”

He recalled the last fare increment and the fuel price at the time.

“If we check the previous time we increased transport fares, fuel prices were around ¢12 per litre, if I’m not mistaken. Now, diesel is about ¢15.49, and petrol is around ¢14.99,” he pointed out.

“We are praying that fuel prices drop to at least ¢12 per litre. If that happens, we will reassess the situation.”

However, he stated that even if fuel prices decline, spare part costs remain a major concern.

“Looking at where spare parts prices are now, it will be difficult for us to reduce transport fares immediately,” he cautioned.

His comments shed light on the complexities of fare adjustments and the multiple economic pressures facing transport operators.

While GPRTU remains open to reducing fares, it insists that fuel prices must reach the ¢12 threshold before any meaningful decision can be made.

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The union clarified that no official fare increment has been authorized, and the current fare structure remains unchanged.

In an interview with Adom News, Samuel Amoah, GPRTU’s Deputy Public Relations Officer, stressed that the union has not approved any increment.

“We want to make it clear that the union has not endorsed any increase in transport fares, and the public should not be misled by such speculations. Any station or driver found charging higher fares is violating the current rates, and we encourage passengers to report such cases immediately,” he urged.

Amoah also addressed claims by the Alliance of Drivers for Ghana, which announced a 20% increase in transport fares.

In response, he called on the group to withdraw its announcement, emphasizing that no such hike has been sanctioned by the GPRTU.

“We have advised the Alliance of Drivers for Ghana to hold off on implementing any fare increase. As it stands, we have not made any decision regarding an increment, and we urge all drivers to continue charging the established fare until further notice,” he stated.

He added that GPRTU leadership is closely monitoring fuel prices, the cost of spare parts, and other factors to determine whether an increment will be necessary.

Amoah reassured the public that the union will make an official announcement if a fare adjustment becomes necessary.

“We are committed to ensuring that any decisions made are in the best interest of both passengers and drivers. At this time, we urge the public to report any incidents where drivers or stations are charging new fares, and we will take the appropriate action,” he added.

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