The national umbrella body of the transport sector, the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), has been urged to stop the unilateral determination and implementation of transport fare increases, with calls for stronger government regulation of the sector.
The call follows growing concerns over the activities of some private transport operators and smaller transport associations, particularly drivers of commercial sprinter vehicles, who are accused of charging fares beyond officially agreed rates and putting additional financial pressure on commuters.
Speaking on the “Ade Kyeɛ Mu Nsem” morning show on Ahotor FM 92.3 in Accra on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, panellists criticised the reported decision by transport unions to push for a 30 percent increase in transport fares, arguing that commuters should not be subjected to sudden fare increases without adequate consultation and justification.
They maintained that the fragmentation of the transport sector into smaller groups and associations has made it increasingly difficult to regulate fares and ensure compliance with agreed rates.
GPRTU urged to redefine its role
The Ashaiman Constituency Communications Director of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Chairman Joseph Awuku, said the GPRTU and other national transport bodies must be more circumspect in carrying out their responsibilities.
He argued that the core responsibility of transport unions should go beyond repeatedly calling for increases in fares and should include improving the welfare, working conditions and safety of drivers.
According to him, the failure of the major transport unions to adequately address the welfare concerns of their members has contributed to the emergence of smaller transport groups operating with limited oversight.
Chairman Awuku said some drivers operating outside the recognised union structures have taken advantage of the situation to impose arbitrary fares on commuters, particularly during peak hours.
He described the practice as an abuse of the rights of commuters who depend on public transport for their daily activities.
He further argued that government interventions aimed at supporting the transport sector, including measures intended to stabilise the economy and reduce pressure on fuel prices, should be considered before any decision is taken to increase fares.
‘Government must take stronger control’
Chairman Awuku called on the government to take stronger control of the transport sector and introduce a clear regulatory framework to prevent transport operators from taking the law into their own hands.
He said some drivers and transport brokers allegedly take advantage of rush-hour demand to charge exorbitant fares, leaving commuters with little choice but to pay because they need to get to work, school and other destinations.
He maintained that such practices should not be allowed to become normal in the country’s public transport system.
Government must crack down on recalcitrant drivers
His counterpart, Sir John, a member of the Eastern Regional NDC Communication Team and a native of Ofoase Ayirebi, also called for tougher measures against drivers who disregard agreed transport fares.
According to him, the government must develop a comprehensive roadmap for managing the transport sector, particularly at a time when different groups appear to be operating independently.
Sir John argued that the conditions being cited by transport unions to justify a 30 percent fare increase do not, in his view, provide sufficient grounds for such a sharp increase.
He pointed to what he described as relative stability in the cedi, improved economic conditions and government interventions in the transport and fuel sectors as factors that should be considered before any fare adjustment.
Drivers allegedly charging new fares
The panellists further expressed concern that although the proposed fare increase had reportedly not taken effect officially, some drivers who do not belong to recognised transport unions had already started charging commuters the new rates.
They described the development as exploitative and warned that commuters could bear the greatest burden if the situation is not properly regulated.
They therefore called on the government, the GPRTU and other stakeholders in the transport industry to urgently engage and establish a transparent and enforceable system for determining transport fares.
The panellists stressed that any adjustment in fares should be based on clear economic indicators, proper consultation and the ability of ordinary commuters to absorb the additional cost.
They also urged transport unions to prioritise the welfare and professional development of drivers while working with government to ensure that fare adjustments, when necessary, are implemented uniformly and fairly across the country.
