Member of Parliament for Akyem Oda in the Eastern Region, Alexander Akwasi Acquah, has raised concerns over reports that some commercial drivers are charging passengers fares above the newly approved 8% increase.
According to the former Deputy Minister of Health, some drivers have expressed dissatisfaction with the adjustment, arguing that the increase does not adequately cover the sharp rise in their operating costs.
He said the drivers had cited recent increases in fuel prices, the rising cost of spare parts and higher vehicle maintenance expenses as some of the factors putting pressure on their businesses.
The concerns come barely two days after the implementation of the revised public transport fares nationwide on Saturday, September 26, 2026.
The new fares were agreed upon by the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC) following negotiations with the Ministry of Transport.
Mr Acquah said some drivers who are not adhering strictly to the approved 8% adjustment have justified their actions by pointing to the cumulative increase in the cost of running their vehicles.
According to the drivers, successive increases in fuel prices, coupled with more expensive spare parts and maintenance services, have significantly increased their daily operational expenditure.
They argue that the approved 8% adjustment does not fully reflect the additional costs they have incurred in recent months.
The position is consistent with concerns raised by transport operators during negotiations with the government, when they initially demanded a substantially higher fare adjustment.
The GPRTU had reportedly sought an increase of up to 30%, citing rising operational expenses, before eventually settling on the 8% adjustment following discussions with the Ministry of Transport.
Government interventions, including measures aimed at reducing the impact of fuel costs on transport operators, were also factored into the negotiations.
The GPRTU’s Deputy Industrial and Public Relations Officer, Samuel Amoah, has previously explained that the union accepted the 8% adjustment after government assurances on measures intended to ease fuel-related pressures, including the possibility of further reductions in fuel prices in a subsequent pricing window.
The approved adjustment covers shared taxis, intra-city trotros and inter-city passenger transport services across the country.
For intra-city services, a previous fare of GH¢5 has been adjusted to GH¢5.50, while a GH¢10 fare now costs GH¢11.
A GH¢15 fare has increased to GH¢16.20, with a GH¢20 journey rising to GH¢21.60. A fare of GH¢30 has also been adjusted to GH¢32.40, while the GH¢34 category has risen to GH¢36.80.
For inter-city services, a journey previously costing GH¢25 now attracts GH¢27, while a GH¢100 fare has been adjusted to GH¢108. A GH¢300 journey has similarly increased to GH¢324.
Shared taxi fares have also been adjusted. A journey of up to four kilometres has moved from GH¢2.60 to GH¢2.90, while a journey of up to 40 kilometres has increased from GH¢18.70 to GH¢20.20.
Despite the concerns being raised by some drivers, the GPRTU and GRTCC have directed operators to adhere strictly to the approved fare schedule.
Transport operators have also been instructed to display the official fares at loading terminals and stations to enable commuters to confirm the applicable charges before boarding.
The unions have cautioned against the imposition of unauthorised charges, with operators who disregard the approved rates liable to sanctions.
The directive is intended to ensure that the agreed adjustment is implemented uniformly and to prevent individual drivers from independently determining fares.
The disagreement over implementation has placed commuters in a difficult position, particularly those who depend on commercial transport for their daily activities.
While the approved adjustment is intended to reflect the increased cost of providing public transport services, commuters could face additional financial pressure if drivers impose charges beyond the official rates.
Workers and students who make multiple trips each day are likely to be particularly affected by any additional increases, as even relatively small fare differences can accumulate over the course of a week or month.
At the same time, the concerns raised by drivers underscore the financial pressures confronting transport operators, who must contend with fuel, spare parts, repairs and other running costs.
The development has renewed attention on the need for effective monitoring of the revised fares at transport terminals across the country.
Mr Acquah’s comments highlight the tension between the rising cost of commercial transport operations and the need to ensure that commuters are protected from charges outside the officially sanctioned fare structure.
With the 8% adjustment now in force, the key issue remains whether transport operators across the country will implement the agreed rates consistently while government and the transport unions continue to address the underlying cost pressures affecting the sector.
By 1960news.com
