The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has increased transport fares across the country by five percent with immediate effect.

The new increases take effect from today, Monday, and follows upward adjustments in general in petroleum products over the weekend.

Alhaji Issah Tetteh, Chairman of the Union warned commercial drivers not to charge above the approved fares and thereby compound the plight of passengers who he said are already stressed by the harsh economic situation.

He said for those who can afford to charge below the official fares are encouraged to do so but they should not charge above the approved fares.