Two transport unions have announced an increase in transport fares, effective Saturday, April 13, 2024, while the Ghana Private Road Transport Union says it will act after it meets with the government on the proposed hike in transport fares in Ghana.
The two unions are the Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana and the Transport Operators of Ghana.
According to the two transport operators, the move was in response to the recent surge in petroleum prices.
In a joint statement issued on Monday, April 8, 2024, the Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana and the Transport Operators of Ghana, announced a 15 percent increase for short-distance or intracity transport and a 20 percent increase for intercity or long-journey transport. They also announced a 15 percent hike for taxi services and an increment from GH¢ 10.00 to GH¢ 15.00 for a short-distance taxi service.
They further mentioned that the decision was due to a lack of government intervention in reducing fuel prices, vehicle spare parts, and lubricants, despite ongoing economic challenges.
For its part, the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has instructed its members to refrain from raising transport fares until a meeting is convened to assess the appropriate level of increase.
According to the union, with the significant rise in fuel prices and no corresponding increase in fares, drivers anticipate exploiting this situation to raise their fares.
The Western Regional branch of the Union said the increment in the price of transport fares, which was scheduled to take effect on Monday, April 8, 2024, has been put on hold.
Mr. Joseph Simmons Cudjoe, the Western Regional Chairman of the GPRTU, said the Transport Minister and the National Board of the GPRTU were still in a meeting concerning the 30 percent increment proposed last Friday by the GPRTU.
He said transport operators expressed satisfaction when the 30 percent increase in transport fares was proposed. 
He added that drivers were excited about the initiative, as it would go a long way toward covering expenses on spare parts and fuel. 
Mr. Cudjoe therefore urged drivers to keep calm as negotiations were ongoing, all in their interest and that of commuters. 
He said regardless of the percentage increment, passengers would always complain, but that was not their concern, as their interest was also to promote their business.