Millions of commuters across Ghana can breathe a sigh of relief after road transport operators dismissed a purported 20 per cent increase in public transport fares, a development that is expected to ease pressure on household budgets and avert a rise in daily commuting costs.
The clarification comes after widespread reports over the weekend suggested that transport fares would increase from June 2, prompting many workers, students and families to reassess their spending plans and prepare for higher transportation expenses.
In a joint statement, the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC) said no agreement had been reached with the Ministry of Transport on any upward fare adjustment and urged the public to disregard the reported increase.
The operators stressed that the purported fare hike did not follow the established fare review framework agreed with the government, describing the move as “illegal” and outside the recognised adjustment process.
The announcement effectively preserves current transport costs at a time when many households are carefully managing living expenses. For commuters who had anticipated spending more on daily travel, the decision means planned adjustments to food, utility and discretionary spending may no longer be necessary.
Transport costs remain a significant component of household expenditure and business operations, particularly for workers who rely on commercial transport for daily commuting. A 20 per cent increase would have translated into higher monthly transportation bills for many Ghanaians and potentially increased operating costs for small businesses that depend on public transport and logistics services.
Road transport operators, therefore, directed unions, associations, drivers, vehicle owners, loading point managers and allied stakeholders to maintain existing approved fares and refrain from implementing any unilateral increases.
The transport bodies said they are monitoring developments in the next fuel pricing window and will assess whether prevailing market conditions justify a future review. Any adjustment, they noted, would be communicated through the appropriate channels after consultations with relevant stakeholders.
The statement was jointly signed by GPRTU General Secretary Godfred Abulbire and GRTCC General Secretary Emmanuel Oclenye Yeboah on behalf of road transport operators.
The decision provides immediate relief to commuters and businesses, enabling households to maintain spending plans that had come under pressure from expectations of higher transport fares.
