The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has warned its members against unilaterally increasing transport fares, stressing that any such move without official approval is unlawful.
The caution comes as fuel prices rose again on September 1, 2025, despite falling crude prices on the international market. Data from the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC) showed petrol prices jumped by 5.40 percent per litre to an average of GH¢13.67, while diesel climbed to GH¢14.35. Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) also rose by 4.57 percent per kilogram.
COMAC attributed the hikes largely to the cedi’s sharp depreciation against the US dollar from GH¢10.71 to GH¢11.20 in the latest pricing window, marking its steepest decline this year.
GPRTU’s Industrial Relations Officer, Abass Imoro, explained that fare adjustments are based on several factors, including fuel prices, exchange rates, and the cost of spare parts. He said the Union carefully considers these elements before deciding on any changes.
“It depends on the percentages that will come out of it. Although we wouldn’t want to punish our clients, we always try to be flexible so that they will continue doing business with us,” he said.
Mr. Imoro pointed to the Union’s most recent 15 percent fare reduction as proof that leadership acts in line with prevailing conditions, not in haste. He, however, cautioned drivers against taking matters into their own hands.
“If we haven’t gotten to where we have to increase lorry fares, they shouldn’t do it on their own. That is illegal, and it might look as if you are cheating the public,” he said.
The Union assured the public that it is monitoring market developments closely and will announce adjustments when justified.
