Ghanaian public transport fares are set to increase by 20% starting August 8, marking the second major adjustment this year as operators grapple with surging fuel prices and rising maintenance costs.
The Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council announced the fare hike on Tuesday, citing a combination of economic pressures, including a new GH¢1.00 per liter fuel levy introduced earlier this quarter. The levy has pushed fuel prices up by an estimated 8%, adding to the financial strain on commercial transport operators.
The adjustment, which applies to all shared taxis, intra-city minibuses (known locally as “trotro”), intercity buses, and haulage services, follows a failed attempt to stimulate price reductions with a 15% fare cut in May. Despite the reduction, the prices of spare parts and related services remained high, prompting operators to call for a reversal.
Operators also pointed to worsening road conditions nationwide, which they say have accelerated vehicle wear and raised maintenance expenses.
“The fare increase is a necessary step to sustain transport operations under current economic conditions,” the Council said in a statement. It urged drivers to post the new fare structure clearly at all loading stations and called for public cooperation during the transition.
