Tamale Transport Operators Cut Fares by 10%, Instead of GPRTU’s 15% Directive

Transport operators in Tamale have announced a 10% reduction in fares, falling short of the 15% cut mandated by the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) earlier this week. The decision has sparked public debate as passengers expected full compliance with the GPRTU’s nationwide directive.

The GPRTU and the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC) had jointly declared a 15% reduction in transport fares effective Monday, May 20, 2025, following sustained reductions in fuel prices across the country.

Local transport groups cite operational concerns for partial fare reduction

However, leadership of some transport unions in Tamale say the 10% reduction is a more sustainable option considering prevailing challenges, including high maintenance costs, increased prices of spare parts, and inflationary pressures.

“We support the GPRTU’s decision in principle, but practically, a 15% drop would make operations difficult. A 10% cut is the middle ground we can manage,” a Tamale urban transport leader told local media.

Commuters in the Northern regional capital have expressed mixed reactions—some welcoming the partial relief while others called for stricter enforcement of the national fare adjustment to ease their financial burden.

The GPRTU has yet to officially respond to the regional deviation, though sector observers say enforcement may prove difficult given the semi-autonomous operations of transport unions across the country.

Also Read: GPRTU, Transport Unions Announce 15% Reduction in Fares Effective May 25