GPRTU Warns Drivers Against Unapproved Fare Hikes
The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has cautioned its members against unilaterally increasing transport fares, stressing that any adjustment without official approval is unlawful.
The warning follows another upward review of fuel prices on September 1, 2025, despite a fall in crude oil prices on the international market. Data from the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC) showed petrol prices rose by 5.40 percent per litre to an average of GH¢13.67, while diesel climbed to GH¢14.35. Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) also increased by 4.57 percent per kilogram.
According to COMAC, the hikes were driven largely by the cedi’s sharp depreciation against the US dollar, which slipped from GH¢10.71 to GH¢11.20 in the latest pricing window, its steepest decline so far this year.
Industrial Relations Officer of GPRTU, Abass Imoro, explained that fare adjustments are determined by several key factors, including fuel prices, exchange rates, and the cost of spare parts. He said the Union takes these elements into account before making any decision.
“It depends on the percentages that will come out of it. Although we wouldn’t want to punish our clients, we always try to be flexible so that they will continue doing business with us,” Mr. Imoro said.
He pointed to the Union’s most recent 15 percent fare reduction as evidence that leadership responds to prevailing market conditions, not on impulse. However, he warned that drivers who increase fares on their own risk sanctions.
“If we haven’t gotten to where we have to increase lorry fares, they shouldn’t do it on their own. That is illegal, and it might look as if you are cheating the public,” he cautioned.
The Union assured commuters that it is closely monitoring fuel market trends and will announce fare adjustments when justified.
