New published list of transport fares effective May 24
Road Transport Operators have released new transport fares that commuters are to pay following an announcement of a reduction in transport fares by 15 percent.
A statement signed by the general secretaries of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC) affirmed the 15% reduction, which will affect shared taxis, intra-city transport (tro-tro), inter-city transport (long distance), and haulage.
The group urged all road transport users to comply with the new prices, which will take effect from Saturday, May 24, 2025.
“In line with the Administrative Arrangement on Public Transport Fares, the Road Transport Operators have reduced public transport fares by 15% to accommodate the reductions in the price of petroleum products observed over the period.
THE NEW FARES TAKE EFFECT FROM SATURDAY, 24TH MAY, 2025.
The fares cover the following types of Road Transport Operations:
SHARED TAXIS
INTRA-CITY (TRO-TRO)
INTER-CITY (LONG DISTANCE)
HAULAGE
“We kindly request all Commercial Transport Operators to comply with the new fares and post same at their loading terminals. We further request all Operators, Commuters, and the General Public to cooperate for the successful implementation of the new fares.”
The list of new prices shared by the group showed that long-distance travels, which cost GH¢75 will now cost GH¢64; those that cost GH¢60 will now cost GH¢51, and those that cost GH¢17.
Short-distance travels that cost GH¢5 will now cost GH¢4, and those that cost GH¢10 will now cost GH¢8.5.
Transport fares in Ghana are one of the everyday concerns for the average Ghanaian. Whether you’re a student, trader, office worker, or even a farmer, you probably use public transport regularly, unless you own a private car or motorbike. In Ghana, transportation plays a key role in daily life, helping people move from place to place – from home to work, to the market, to school, or even to the farm. Because of this, any change in transport fares can affect the whole economy and the lives of ordinary people. Let’s take a detailed look at transport fares in Ghana, their causes, how they are determined, their effects on people, and the challenges they bring.
The Main Modes of Transport in Ghana
In Ghana, there are different types of transport systems. The most common ones for public use are:
Trotro: These are minibuses that carry many passengers at a time and follow specific routes. They are the cheapest option and are widely used across the country.
Taxis: These carry fewer passengers and are more flexible in terms of destination. Some are shared, while others are “drop” (private).
Ride-hailing services: Services like Uber, Bolt, and Yango are becoming more popular in urban areas.
Motorbikes (Okada): These are very common in rural areas and are gradually becoming popular in cities due to traffic and convenience.
Metro Mass and STC: These are government buses that usually serve intercity routes and are often cheaper than other long-distance transport.
Who Decides Transport Fares in Ghana?
Transport fares in Ghana are not set by the government alone. They are determined through negotiations between the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), the Concerned Drivers Association, and other transport unions, together with the Ministry of Transport. When fuel prices, spare parts, or insurance premiums go up or down, these groups meet to decide whether to increase or reduce fares.
Usually, when fuel prices go up significantly, the unions call for a meeting and announce a fare adjustment. Unfortunately, when fuel prices go down, fare reductions are not always implemented quickly or fully. This is one reason why many Ghanaians complain about the transport system.
What Causes Transport Fares to Increase?
There are several factors that cause transport fares in Ghana to increase. Below are the major ones:
Fuel Price Increases
This is the number one reason for fare increments. Almost all commercial vehicles in Ghana use petrol or diesel. So, when fuel prices go up due to international market changes or cedi depreciation, it directly affects transport costs.
Exchange Rate and Inflation
Ghana imports a lot of vehicle spare parts and fuel. So, when the cedi weakens against the dollar, the cost of imports increases. This leads to higher maintenance costs for vehicle owners, which are passed on to passengers through fare hikes.
Cost of Spare Parts and Tyres
The cost of maintaining vehicles in Ghana is very high. Drivers often complain about the rising cost of tyres, engine oil, brake pads, and other essential parts. If these parts become too expensive, drivers are forced to increase fares to stay in business.
Government Taxes and Levies
Some of the taxes and levies placed on fuel and vehicle imports also contribute to the high cost of transport. When the government increases taxes on petroleum products, transport fares usually go up as well.
Insurance and Licensing Fees
Commercial drivers are required to renew their licenses and insurance regularly. Any increase in these fees can add to the overall operational cost, which is reflects in the fares.
How Often Are Fares Increased?
There is no fixed time for fare increments in Ghana. Sometimes they go up two or three times a year, depending on how frequently fuel prices rise or how high inflation goes. However, in some years when the economy is unstable, fare increases may be more frequent. This irregularity makes it difficult for commuters to plan their expenses properly.
The Impact of High Transport Fares on the People
The increase in transport fares has a big impact on everyday life in Ghana. Below are some of the ways it affects people:
Higher Cost of Living: When transport fares go up, it affects the prices of goods and services, especially foodstuffs. Traders increase their prices to cover the cost of bringing goods to the market.
Low Savings: Workers who commute daily to the office or school spend more on transport and are left with little or no savings at the end of the month.
School Attendance: Some students may skip school or arrive late because they cannot afford the daily transport cost, especially those who live far from their schools.
Job Accessibility: People may turn down job opportunities in far locations because the cost of transport is too high.
Strain on Families: Families that rely on public transport spend a large part of their income on fares. This creates stress and affects household budgets.
Fuel Price Stabilization
The government can reduce the taxes on fuel and introduce policies that stabilize fuel prices so they don’t go up too frequently.
Improve Public Transport
Investing in affordable mass transit systems like buses and trains can help reduce the pressure on commercial drivers and offer cheaper alternatives to the public.
Support for Drivers
Government can subsidize vehicle spare parts, tyres, and insurance for commercial drivers to reduce their operational costs.
Introduce Regulation and Transparency
Transport unions must be transparent and fair when setting fares.