The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has disassociated itself from a recent announcement by the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC) regarding a 20% increase in public transport fares, set to take effect on Friday, August 8, 2025.

Speaking on JoyNews’ The Pulse on Tuesday, August 5, the Public Relations Officer of the GPRTU, Samuel Amoah, expressed surprise at the unilateral decision, stating that the union was neither consulted nor informed prior to the announcement.

“Yes, we've seen the release from GRTCC talking about the increasing transport fares by 20% this Friday. When we saw the communique, we were a bit surprised, because we have no idea about this very increment,” Mr. Amoah said.

He explained that adjustments to transport fares are typically made after consultations between the GPRTU, the GRTCC, and the Ministry of Transport, culminating in a joint agreement and public communication.

“What we normally do is that anytime there has to be an increment, the GPRTU, the GRTCC and the Transport Ministry will all come up with a joint statement. This has been the norm and what we've been practicing for all this while. So this time around, when we saw this communique, we were a bit surprised,” he added.

When asked whether any discussions had taken place before the announcement, Mr Amoah stated: “It’s very new to us. And two, we are not part of whatever agreement that they had. We were not informed, as we normally do. Nothing of that sort came to us as GPRTU.”

Meanwhile, the GRTCC has justified the 20% fare hike, citing three major challenges currently confronting transport operators.

• Read also: Public transport fares to go up by 20% starting Friday, August 8

According to a statement signed by Emmanuel Ohene-Yeboah, General Secretary, and Alhaji Tanko, acting National Chairman of the Council, the decision was made in accordance with the Administrative Arrangement on Public Transport Fares and in consultation with some transport unions.

The GRTCC explained that operators have not experienced a reduction in the cost of spare parts and other inputs, even after a 15% fare reduction implemented on May 21, 2025.

Additionally, a newly introduced GH₵1.00 per litre fuel levy has increased fuel prices by approximately 8%, pushing up operational costs.

The statement also highlighted deteriorating road conditions across the country, which have led to higher maintenance costs for drivers.

Despite GRTCC’s claims of collaboration with transport unions, the GPRTU’s rejection of the process raises fresh concerns about coordination and transparency in fare-setting decisions.

The Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) has also strongly kicked against any move by transport operators to increase commercial fares by 20 per cent.

Read Also: COPEC kicks against proposed 20% hike in transport fares