Public transport fare hike suspended
By Praisebell Rosemond Larbi
The Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC) has suspended a proposed 20 percent increase in public transport fares following high-level discussions with the Ministry of Transport on Wednesday, August 6, 2025.
The announcement comes in the wake of intense public backlash and widespread concern over the timing and process of the intended fare hike, which many criticized for lacking adequate consultation with key stakeholders, including commuters and regulatory authorities.
The proposed adjustment, initially scheduled to take effect on Friday, August 8, 2025, was announced by Road Transport Operators on Tuesday, August 5.
It would have affected all categories of public road transport, shared taxis, intra-city minibuses (trotro), long-distance buses, and commercial haulage services.
The 20 percent increment had been based on provisions within the Administrative Arrangement on Public Transport Fares, a framework that guides fare setting in response to fluctuations in operating costs such as fuel prices, spare parts, and inflation.
However, following the intervention of the Ministry of Transport, the GRTCC issued a statement on Thursday, August 7, announcing the immediate suspension of the fare hike.
“Transport Operators have agreed to suspend the purported 20 percent increment in public transport fares as a result of the lack of broader consultations on the decision,” the statement noted.
As part of the agreement reached at the meeting, all commercial transport operators have been directed to continue enforcing the existing 15 percent reduction in fares, which came into effect on May 24, 2025.
The Ministry commended the transport unions for their cooperation and urged continued dialogue to ensure that future fare adjustments are carried out in a transparent and inclusive manner, with due consideration for the economic conditions facing the public.
Meanwhile, the GRTCC has assured the public that it remains committed to safeguarding the interests of both transport operators and commuters.
Further engagements with stakeholders are expected in the coming weeks to determine a sustainable path forward for fare regulation in the sector.
