The Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC) has suspended its proposed 20% increase in public transport fares, originally set to take effect on Friday, August 8, 2025.
The suspension follows a high-level meeting between the Ministry of Transport and road transport unions on Wednesday, August 6, where concerns were raised over the lack of broader stakeholder engagement in the decision-making process for the fare increment.
In an official statement issued after the meeting, the Transport Ministry confirmed that all parties—including the GRTCC and other key transport operators—had agreed not to proceed with the planned fare adjustment.
“Transport operators, following the meeting, have agreed to suspend the purported 20% increment in public transport fares as a result of the lack of broader consultations on the decision,” the statement read.
The Ministry emphasized the importance of inclusive and transparent dialogue on such issues in the future, reassuring commuters that a collaborative approach would be prioritized going forward.
The statement further noted that the existing 15% fare reduction, which took effect on May 24, 2025, would remain in place until further notice.
“Transport Operators have therefore agreed to maintain the implementation of the 15% reduction in public transport fares which took effect on 24th May, 2025,” the Ministry added.
This decision is expected to bring short-term relief to commuters, many of whom have expressed frustration over the proposed fare hike amid current economic difficulties, including rising inflation and cost of living.
In recent days, public transport users and advocacy groups had voiced their dissatisfaction with the fare hike, criticizing its timing and the absence of transparent communication or public involvement.
The Ministry of Transport reassured the public that any future fare adjustments will involve all relevant stakeholders, including commuter associations, union leaders, and economic policy advisors.
“We count on the cooperation of all transport operators and the general public,” the statement concluded, calling for continued calm and collaboration as consultations continue.
The suspension marks a significant shift in how fare-related decisions are handled, with increasing emphasis on inclusive decision-making and social impact awareness.
With the fare increase now on hold, commuters will continue to pay the reduced rates implemented earlier this year—a welcome move for many struggling to cope with rising household expenses.
