GPRTU signals possible 25–30% increase in transport fares

Commuters could face higher public transport fares as the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) considers an increase following an expected rise in fuel prices.

The Union’s Deputy Public Relations Officer, Samuel Amoah, says negotiations are ongoing, with a decision on new fares expected by the end of the week.

Fuel prices are expected to rise from tomorrow, with petrol projected to cross GH¢16 per litre and diesel potentially exceeding GH¢19 per litre.

Mr Amoah said the anticipated increase in fuel prices could make a review of transport fares inevitable.

“We had that information that the fuel price is likely to go up, hopefully by tomorrow. We also did one or two searches, and we got information that it is true. It’s not just hearsay,” he said.

He said discussions are already underway, including negotiations over a proposed 30% adjustment currently before the Transport Ministry.

“So if this increment is also coming, then it means that the possibility of increasing transport fare is going to be very high,” he said.

Although the final percentage has not been determined, Mr Amoah said the increase could range between 25% and 30%, depending on the outcome of the negotiations.

“Let’s see, if even it will come down, it won’t come down below maybe 25%,” he said.

He, however, assured commuters that any new fares would not take effect immediately after an agreement is reached.

“We will not come out like maybe today and say we have agreed and say tomorrow is taking effect. No, we will not do that,” he said.

Mr Amoah explained that transport operators usually give passengers some time to prepare before implementing new fares.

“Most of the time we do give some grace period for them to get prepared before it will take effect,” he said.

He urged commuters to prepare for a possible increase as discussions continue, stressing that the final decision will depend on the outcome of negotiations.

“So passengers should actually prepare themselves for an increment,” Mr Amoah said.