Deputy Public Relations Officer of the GPRTU, Samuel Amoah, made the clarification during an interview on TV3’s Daily Brief on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, amid concerns over some commercial drivers charging fares above officially approved rates.

According to Mr Amoah, the issue initially involved some drivers operating under VIP and OA transport services, who allegedly increased their fares without approval from the Ministry of Transport. He said the GPRTU reported the matter to the Ministry and was assured that steps would be taken to address the situation.

He said the practice later extended to some “floating drivers” who operate outside recognised transport unions and were charging higher fares, particularly during peak periods.

Mr Amoah explained that although the GPRTU had raised concerns with the authorities, the union could not enforce its fare rules against drivers who were not members.

“We, the GPRTU, don’t have powers to be controlling those that don’t fall under our union,” he said.

The Deputy PRO, however, acknowledged that some GPRTU members had also been charging fares outside approved rates. He said the union was therefore working with the Ministry of Transport on a broader mechanism to regulate fares across the commercial transport sector.

The development comes as government and transport operators continue consultations over a proposed increase in public transport fares. The GPRTU has proposed a 30 per cent adjustment, but the increase has not yet been formally approved.

A joint team comprising representatives of the Ministry of Transport, GPRTU and Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC) has been reviewing transport-related cost inputs before a final decision is made. The government and transport unions have stated that existing approved fares remain in force until a new rate is officially announced.

Mr Amoah said the stakeholders had been expected to finalise the fare adjustment process, but discussions were still ongoing.

The GPRTU’s latest comments therefore highlight the challenge of enforcing uniform fares across a transport sector that includes both unionised and independent operators, while negotiations continue over a new official fare structure.

Photo courtesy: GPRTU