Transport fares across Ghana are set to rise by 20 per cent from 2 June, after commercial operators announced an upward adjustment citing rising fuel prices and operational costs, industry officials said.

The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and allied transport groups said the increase affects intra-city “trotro” services, inter-city transport and shared taxis nationwide.

The operators said the decision followed consultations with members and stakeholders and had become necessary due to sustained increases in fuel prices and the cost of spare parts, including tyres, batteries and engine oil.

GPRTU National Deputy Public Relations Officer Samuel Amoah said drivers and vehicle owners were under severe financial pressure, making continued operations difficult without a fare review.

He said the increment had been delayed in anticipation of government interventions on fuel prices, but conditions had now forced operators to act.

Transport unions said updated fare charts would be displayed at lorry stations ahead of implementation and urged passengers to comply with approved rates.

They also warned drivers and station managers against overcharging, adding that monitoring teams would work with the Motor Traffic and Transport Department of the Ghana Police Service to enforce compliance.

The unions acknowledged the impact of the increase on commuters but said all alternatives had been exhausted.

They also renewed calls for government intervention, including tax relief on spare parts and measures to stabilise fuel prices, to ease pressure on transport operations.

The fare adjustment is expected to affect household transport costs and could have wider implications for the prices of goods and services nationwide.