Ghana’s main road transport operators on Monday distanced themselves from an announced 20 percent increase in public transport fares due to take effect on 2 June, describing the move as unauthorized and urging commuters to ignore it.

In a joint statement, the leadership of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC) said they had not engaged the government on any fare adjustment and had not approved an increase in transport charges.

“The decision by the supposed group is illegal as it has not gone through the fare adjustment protocol and procedure agreed between the Ministry of Transport and the Road Transport Operators,” the statement said.

The transport bodies called on the public to “disregard the publication” and instructed drivers, vehicle owners, station managers and transport unions nationwide to maintain existing fares until further notice.

The statement comes two days after reports emerged that commercial transport operators planned to raise fares by 20 percent from 2 June, citing rising fuel prices and mounting operational costs.

According to the earlier announcement, the increase would have affected intra-city minibuses, known locally as “trotros”, inter-city services and shared taxis across the country.

Transport unions behind the reported adjustment argued that sustained increases in fuel prices and the cost of spare parts, including tyres, batteries and engine oil, had placed severe financial pressure on operators.

Officials had said the fare review was necessary to keep transport businesses viable and warned that operators could no longer absorb rising costs.

However, the GPRTU and GRTCC leadership said no official negotiations had taken place with the Ministry of Transport, a prerequisite under established fare-setting arrangements.

They said transport operators would continue monitoring market conditions and the next fuel pricing window before considering any future fare review.

“Should there be the need for any fare adjustment, the public will be duly notified,” the statement said.

The dispute has created uncertainty for commuters and transport operators ahead of the proposed implementation date, with the transport leadership insisting that only officially sanctioned fare changes should be observed.

The statement was signed by GPRTU General Secretary Godfred Abulbire and GRTCC General Secretary Emmanuel Ohene Yeboah on behalf of road transport operators nationwide.