Ghana: Trotro Fares - Stop the Arbitrary Increases

What the report says

Ghanaian Times, in an editorial published through AllAfrica on 28 August 2026, criticized commercial transport operators in Accra for charging passengers above approved trotro and taxi fares. The paper said the increases are adding pressure on commuters already facing a high cost of living, especially workers, traders and students who rely on public transport daily.

The editorial cited reports of fare hikes of about 20% to 30% on some routes, with examples including Atomic Junction to Sakumono Estate Junction, Atomic Junction to Ashaiman, Circle to Lapaz, and trips from Circle and Kaneshie to Fadama. It said a visit by the newspaper to the Kwame Nkrumah Circle-Odawna and Kaneshie stations confirmed higher charges on some routes. The piece also warned against practices such as breaking one journey into multiple legs to collect more money from passengers.

According to the report, the increases come despite a June 2026 joint directive from the Ghana Private Road Transport Union and the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council telling operators to keep existing approved fares because no official adjustment had been agreed with the Ministry of Transport. The editorial acknowledged operators’ concerns about fuel, spare parts and other costs, but argued that any change should be pursued through formal consultation, not unilateral action.

The article said transport authorities should strengthen enforcement, while unions, government and operators work toward a clear and fair fare regime. It also urged passengers to be informed about approved fares and complaint channels. More broadly, the piece framed the dispute as a wider issue of affordability and public confidence in urban transport in Ghana.