Transport Fares to Go Up by 30% Effective Monday, July 27

Nana Asonaba Owiredu, National President of the Commercial Transport Operators of Ghana

Commuters across the country will pay higher transport fares from Monday, July 27, 2026, as commercial transport operators have announced a 30 percent increase in fares.

The adjustment was confirmed by Nana Asonaba Owiredu, National President of the Commercial Transport Operators of Ghana, who described the move as necessary to sustain the transport industry and ensure the continuous provision of public transport services.

Rising Costs Forcing the Adjustment

Speaking in an interview, Nana Owiredu outlined the mounting challenges confronting the sector, noting that operators are struggling under the weight of soaring spare‑parts prices, high maintenance costs, and frequent, unexpected fuel price hikes.

“When you aggregate these challenges, it becomes clear that transport operators are running at a significant loss,” he said.

He explained that many drivers have been forced to park their vehicles at workshops because they can no longer afford the escalating cost of repairs—one of the key reasons passengers have recently been stranded and unable to find vehicles for their daily commutes.

“The current state of the industry is untenable for the average driver,” he stressed.

Unsuccessful Engagements with Authorities

Nana Owiredu revealed that his outfit, together with other transport unions, has spent considerable time engaging the Ministry of Transport, the Ghana Highways Authority, and other key stakeholders. However, these discussions failed to produce the policy interventions needed to stabilize the sector.

He added that operators had hoped the government’s Mid‑Year Budget Review would provide some relief. Instead, the announced interventions focused solely on state‑owned transport institutions, leaving private operators “to fend for themselves.”

According to him, operators have been “incredibly accommodative” over the past two years, absorbing rising costs without adjusting fares, but the industry can no longer bear the financial strain.

Appeal for Public Understanding

Acknowledging that the 30 percent increase will affect commuters, Nana Owiredu appealed for public cooperation and understanding.

“We are asking for the public’s understanding as we take this step to manage the sustainability of the transport sector at this critical moment,” he said.

He emphasized that the adjustment is essential to keep vehicles on the road and maintain reliable transportation for workers, students, and the general public.