On August 5, 2025 Ghanaians were informed that public transport fares across the country would increase by 20%, effective Friday, August 8, 2025. The directive, issued by the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC), in collaboration with transport unions, was in line with the administrative arrangement on public transport fares.
The directive was issued as a result of three pressing concerns affecting transport operators, which are; the failure of spare parts and service prices to fall after a previous 15% fare reduction in May, the introduction of a GH¢1.00 per litre fuel levy that pushed fuel prices up by about 8% and the general rise in operational costs.
However, as of today, August 12, 2025 the announced fare increase has not been implemented. On paper, this should mean passengers continue paying the old fares until the adjustment officially takes effect.
Whilst Ghanaians wait for the increase in fares to officially take effect, there is an unfortunate report from commuters, which reveal a more troubling reality, an emerging practice by some trotro drivers and their mates that effectively inflates fares under the guise of splitting journeys into shorter routes.
Take, for example, the case of a direct trip from Ofankor Barrier to Circle, which typically costs GH¢5.50. Instead of charging this single fare, some drivers now stop halfway at Achimota, collecting a separate fare, before continuing to Circle and charging passengers again. By the time commuters reach their destination, they have paid twice, effectively more than the original fare. This is not an isolated occurrence; it is becoming a growing pattern, particularly in Accra.
Trotros have long been the lifeline of public transportation in Ghana, offering the most affordable option for the average worker, student and trader. Many Ghanaians rely on them daily, not out of choice but necessity. When drivers engage in practices that deliberately increase the financial burden on passengers without any official fare adjustment, it undermines the very essence of the service they provide.
It is important to state that transport operators are not immune to the economic challenges of the day. Rising fuel prices, high maintenance costs and unpredictable spare part markets all take a toll. But these realities do not justify unfair and exploitative practices, especially when the official fare structure has not changed. Commuters, already struggling with the high cost of living, should not be made to subsidise the inefficiencies or opportunistic tactics of a few.
The Ministry of Transport, the GRTCC and the leadership of transport unions have a duty to step in swiftly. The current situation calls for more than mere public statements; it requires active monitoring and enforcement.
Route-based fare charts must be prominently displayed at lorry stations and compliance checks should be carried out regularly. Passengers should also be encouraged to report overcharging through accessible complaint channels.
Furthermore, this is an opportunity to revisit broader reforms in the public transport sector. A more transparent fare system digitised where possible could prevent arbitrary pricing. Fare adjustments, when necessary, should be clearly communicated with timelines and transitional arrangements that prevent confusion and abuse.
At its core, public transport is not merely a business, it is a public service. While operators deserve fair compensation for their work, passengers deserve honesty and fairness in return. The trust between the two must be preserved if our transport system is to remain functional and accessible.
In these difficult times, solidarity between service providers and the public is essential. Drivers and mates should resist the temptation to take advantage of delays in fare increases, and regulators must ensure that the rules are followed. Anything less will erode confidence in a sector that millions depend on daily.
The trotro has always been a symbol of Ghanaian resilience moving people through traffic, hardship, and uncertainty. Let us ensure it does not become a symbol of exploitation.
