Business News of 2026-09-03
Commercial drivers call for transport fare hike as fuel prices rise
Commercial drivers in Ghana are calling on the government to allow an increase in transport fares, saying rising fuel prices and other operating costs are making it increasingly difficult for them to remain in business.
According to the drivers, current fares do not reflect the cost of fuel, vehicle maintenance and other expenses involved in operating their vehicles.
They said they are often forced to operate at a loss because they cannot charge passengers enough to cover their increasing costs.
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In an interview with GhanaWeb Business at the Madina station on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, some commercial drivers expressed frustration over the impact of rising fuel prices on their operations.
They said the increase in fuel prices also affects the cost of spare parts and other vehicle maintenance expenses.
One of the drivers, Yaw Ansah, said the fare for the Madina-Somanya route does not adequately reflect the distance travelled and the cost of operating the vehicle.
He said drivers are forced to charge lower fares because of the fare limits agreed with the relevant authorities, resulting in financial losses.
“Because of government regulations, we charge GH¢9 from Madina to Somanya, which is not fair. When you charge more than that, the passengers will fight you, even though they know that fuel prices have increased,” he said.
The driver explained that while passengers are aware of the rising cost of fuel, many still resist attempts by drivers to increase fares beyond the approved rates.
He said this leaves drivers caught between meeting passengers’ expectations and covering the increasing cost of operating their vehicles.
The concerns come as the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) warns that it may be difficult to maintain existing transport fares if fuel prices continue to rise.
The union had earlier suspended plans for a proposed 30% fare increase after the government reduced the regulatory margin on diesel by GH¢2 per litre in August.
The continued pressure on commercial drivers could therefore trigger another review of transport fares if fuel prices remain high.
ANAS/MA
Transport operators threaten higher fares amid rising fuel prices
