Accra Transport Fares: Operators Urged to Halt Arbitrary Increases

Commercial transport operators in Accra are facing criticism for implementing arbitrary fare increases, charging passengers significantly above approved rates. This practice places an additional financial burden on commuters already grappling with the rising cost of living.

Reports indicate that passengers are paying between 20 and 30 percent more on certain routes. For example, the fare from Atomic Junction to Sakumono Estate Junction has reportedly risen from GH¢11 to GH¢13, and the Atomic Junction-Ashaiman fare increased from GH¢13 to GH¢16. Similar hikes are observed on other routes, with passengers at Kwame Nkrumah Circle reportedly paying GH¢7 instead of GH¢5 for the Circle-Odawna route, and GH¢7.50 instead of GH¢5.50 for the Kaneshie-Odawna route.

These increases are occurring despite a joint statement issued in June 2026 by the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC). The unions directed operators to maintain existing approved fares, clarifying that no fare adjustment had been agreed upon with the Ministry of Transport and that any proposed increases were illegal without following proper procedures.

While the concerns of transport operators regarding rising fuel prices and the cost of spare parts are acknowledged, unilateral fare hikes are deemed unacceptable. The Welfare Secretary of the GPRTU's Kwame Nkrumah Circle-Odawna Branch, Mr. Omare Osei, noted that some taxi drivers have abandoned stations for more profitable routes, indicating the economic difficulties operators face. However, the proper course of action for operators believing fares no longer reflect their costs is to engage the Ministry of Transport and relevant unions for a formal adjustment, rather than imposing new charges on passengers.

The practice of splitting long-distance journeys into shorter trips to extract more money is also highlighted as particularly disturbing. A commuter on the Circle-Kasoa route, who should pay GH¢11, could reportedly end up paying around GH¢20. Such exploitative practices undermine public confidence in the commercial transport system, and authorities are urged to strengthen enforcement beyond simply arresting a few drivers.

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some taxi drivers have abandoned stations for more profitable routes