GPRTU Distances Itself from 20% Transport Fare Hike Set for August 8

The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), says it was not part of the decision to increase public transport fares by 20% starting Friday, August 8, despite an official announcement by the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC).

Speaking to The High Street Journal, GPRTU Industrial Relations Officer Abass Imoro said the union had only seen the press release issued by the Road Transport Operators and had not been consulted prior to the announcement.

“We are yet to sit to discuss,” we have only seen the press release the union has not formally agreed to the proposed fare adjustment,” Imoro said.

The 20% increase, announced by the Road Transport Operators, a body comprising the GRTCC and other commercial transport groups, will affect shared taxis, intra-city minibuses (trotro), long-distance intercity services, and haulage transport.

According to the Council, the fare hike is driven by three key factors:

• The failure of spare parts and essential goods prices to reflect the 15% fare reduction implemented in May.
  
• The imposition of a new GH¢1.00 per litre fuel levy, which has increased pump prices by approximately 8%.
  
• Rising vehicle maintenance costs due to worsening road conditions nationwide.
  The statement from the Council said the adjustment follows the “Administrative Arrangement on Public Transport Fares”.

It remains unclear whether GPRTU will endorse the announced hike before the effective date.

Press release by GRTCC

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