GRTCC Cites Fuel Levy, Maintenance Costs
The Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC) announced a 20% public transport fare increase, effective August 8, 2025, affecting shared taxis, intra-city trotros, intercity buses, and haulage. The hike reverses a 15% fare reduction from May 21, 2025, which followed a cedi appreciation and fuel price drop.
The decision, outlined in an August 5 statement, responds to a GH¢1.00 per litre fuel levy introduced July 16, 2025, raising fuel costs by 8%. Persistent high prices for spare parts and goods, despite the earlier fare cut, have strained operators’ finances, with no corresponding cost reductions observed.
Worsening road conditions nationwide have also driven up vehicle maintenance costs, further justifying the adjustment. The GRTCC, in consultation with the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), emphasized the need for the hike to sustain operations, urging operators to display new fares at terminals.
The fare increase, impacting over 10 million daily commuters, follows GPRTU’s earlier push for a 30% hike in April 2024, which was resisted by the Transport Ministry. The ministry now faces pressure to address road infrastructure and fuel levy concerns to mitigate future hikes.
The GRTCC appealed for public cooperation to ensure smooth implementation, as rising transport costs could elevate prices of goods and services, affecting Ghana’s 5.7% inflation rate. The council is engaging stakeholders to monitor compliance and address commuter concerns.