COPEC Threatens Legal Action Over 20% Transport Fare Hike

The Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) has issued a stern warning to the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC), threatening legal action if the Council goes ahead with its proposed 20% increase in public transport fares starting Friday, August 8, 2025.

COPEC contends that the fare hike lacks a solid basis and risks setting a dangerous precedent where other economic unions may also begin issuing arbitrary pricing directives.

The chamber has labelled the move an “unwarranted burden” on already-struggling Ghanaians and says it is prepared to drag the GRTCC to court if the directive is enforced.

Speaking in a media interview on Tuesday, August 5, COPEC Executive Secretary Duncan Amoah criticized the GRTCC for being out of touch with the prevailing economic hardship faced by the population.

“We’ll be watching closely, and if by Friday this policy is implemented, we will head to court. There’s absolutely no justification for this action,” he stressed.

He further pointed out that the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), a key stakeholder in the sector, has disassociated itself from the planned fare adjustment.

“The GRTCC is clearly disconnected from the current public sentiment. People are looking forward to some relief in the cost of living, not further pressure. If this fare hike is allowed, it could open the floodgates for similar arbitrary decisions by other unions,” he cautioned.

The 20% fare increase, spearheaded by the Road Transport Operators, is expected to impact shared taxis, intra-city mini-buses (trotro), long-distance transport, and haulage services.

Meanwhile, the GRTCC has defended the decision, citing three main reasons: the ineffectiveness of a prior 15% fare reduction in May, an 8% increase in fuel prices following a GH¢1.00 per litre fuel levy, and growing vehicle maintenance expenses due to deteriorating road infrastructure.