Transport Unions, Ministry to meet over proposed 20% fare increase

The Ghana Roads Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC), the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), and other key stakeholders in the transport sector are set to hold discussions with Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe over the proposed 20 percent increase in transport fares.

The meeting is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. at the Ministry of Transport’s conference room and is expected to focus on the planned fare adjustment and the broader challenges facing commercial transport operators nationwide.

Sources within the transport industry indicate that stakeholders will use the meeting to deliberate on rising operational costs, including fuel prices, vehicle maintenance expenses, and the cost of spare parts, which transport operators say have placed significant pressure on their businesses.

The engagement comes amid public debate over the announced fare increase, which transport unions have justified as a response to escalating operating costs.

Although the GPRTU and other transport operators had earlier indicated their intention to implement a 20 percent nationwide fare hike, the GRTCC subsequently clarified that no final agreement had been reached. The council noted that the required consultations between transport unions and the Ministry of Transport were still ongoing.

The outcome of the meeting is expected to determine whether the proposed fare increase will be approved, modified, or deferred.

Stakeholders are also expected to discuss concerns relating to taxation on spare parts, fuel pricing, and other policy issues affecting the sustainability and efficiency of public transport services across the country.