Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe has summoned leaders of the Ghana Private Roads and Transport Union (GPRTU) and other commercial transport operators for an urgent meeting.

The summons follows government accusations that some operators are deliberately creating an artificial vehicle shortage to inflate fares illegally.

The disclosure was made by Mr. Kwakye Ofosu during the Government Accountability Series on Wednesday, January 14, 2026.

He detailed a "rent-seeking" scheme where drivers avoid official terminals and instead roam, hoping manufactured scarcity will force desperate commuters to pay above-regulated fares.

This practice persists despite successive reductions in fuel prices and import duties on spare parts, which previously triggered a government-mandated 15% fare reduction. Mr. Ofosu condemned the activity as unlawful and stated the government is taking direct action to stop it.

Commuting in Accra has deteriorated sharply, with severe congestion and inflated prices plaguing peak hours.

The crisis, which intensified during the 2025 holiday season, continues to affect major routes like Madina, Amasaman, and Kasoa. While acknowledging the severe hardship faced by the public, the government insists it is intervening to hold offending operators accountable.

"The transport sector is largely private-sector-led," Mr. Ofosu explained, "but the government is looking at it to ensure that those involved in such behaviour are dealt with."