Transport fares jump 8% from September 26: What commuters will pay on taxis, trotros and long-distance buses

Commuters across Ghana will face higher transport costs from Saturday, 26 September 2026, following an 8% fare increase approved by the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC). The adjustment will apply to shared taxis, intra-city trotros, inter-city long-distance services, and haulage operations after consultations between the Ministry of Transport and commercial road transport operators held from 8 to 22 September 2026.

The unions attributed the increase to rising costs of petroleum products, spare parts, vehicle maintenance and other operational expenses, alongside financial pressures on drivers and commuters. The 8% uplift was calculated based on fares that came into effect on 24 May 2025.

New fares across transport modes

Shared taxi passengers will experience the broadest impact, with fares rising across all distance categories. A short journey of up to 1 kilometre will increase from GH¢1.70 to GH¢1.90, whilst the maximum shared taxi fare of GH¢20.20 applies to 40-kilometre journeys, up from GH¢18.70. Mid-range fares show similar proportional increases—a 12-kilometre trip will cost GH¢5.60 instead of GH¢5.10, and a 20-kilometre journey rises from GH¢8.50 to GH¢9.20.

Trotro (intra-city) fares now range from GH¢5.50 to GH¢36.80. The lowest fare of GH¢5 becomes GH¢5.50, whilst the highest listed fare increases from GH¢34 to GH¢36.80. Most commuter routes will see increases of between 50 pesewas and GH¢2.80 per journey.

Long-distance inter-city buses show the steepest absolute increases. A GH¢25 fare rises to GH¢27, a GH¢100 journey becomes GH¢108, and the highest listed fare jumps from GH¢300 to GH¢324—a GH¢24 increase per ticket. The detailed schedule contains 56 fare levels, providing flexibility for operators across different route distances.

Why it matters for Ghana

The September 2026 fare adjustment reflects ongoing economic pressures within Ghana's informal transport sector, which moves millions of Ghanaians daily to work, school and social commitments. For low-income commuters and daily travellers, even an 8% increase compounds living costs at a time when many households face inflationary pressures on food, utilities and other essentials.

This is the second major fare revision in 16 months, with the previous adjustment implemented in May 2025. The frequency of fare increases suggests transport operators view cost pressures as structural rather than temporary—particularly fuel price volatility, which directly affects profitability on fixed routes. The Ministry of Transport's engagement with operators signals government awareness of the tension between operator viability and consumer affordability, though the agreed 8% hike skews towards supporting operator margins.

For traders, service workers and others relying on daily commuting, the cumulative effect of repeated fare hikes can erode already-thin margins. However, the new detailed schedules provide clarity for budgeting, and the structured negotiation process—involving government oversight—contrasts with past instances of unilateral, chaotic fare increases.

Implementation and operator expectations

The new fares take effect immediately from Saturday, 26 September 2026. Drivers and operators are expected to display updated fare boards at vehicle stations and points of departure. The Administrative Instrument on Public Transport Fares provides the regulatory framework governing these adjustments, ensuring consistency across the industry.

Transport unions expressed appreciation for what they described as constructive negotiations with the Minister for Transport, signalling relative stability in the operator-government relationship. However, whether operators will absorb any cost savings or pass them fully to passengers remains unclear. Commuters should expect to see fare boards updated at major transport hubs including intercity stations in Accra, Kumasi, Takoradi and other regional centres.