The Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) has threatened to take legal action against the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC) if it proceeds with the planned 20% increase in public transport fares on Friday, August 8, 2025.

COPEC argues that the fare adjustment lacks justification and could trigger arbitrary directives from other economic unions if not stopped. The group says it is closely monitoring the situation and may head to court to stop what it describes as an “unjustified burden” on Ghanaians.

Speaking on Citi Eyewitness News on Tuesday, August 5, COPEC’s Executive Secretary, Duncan Amoah, slammed the GRTCC for what he called a failure to consider the current economic mood of the country.

“We will be watching the scene by Friday, and if this pushes through, we will intervene in court because there is no justification for their directive,” he warned.

He also noted that even the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), a major operator, has distanced itself from the decision.

“The GRTCC is not reading the mood of the country. People are hoping for a decline in the general cost of goods and services. If this move is allowed to stand, every other economic body or union will also begin issuing directives to their membership,” he said.

The fare increase, announced by the Road Transport Operators, is expected to affect shared taxis, intra-city transport (trotro), long-distance services, and haulage vehicles.

The GRTCC has justified the move on three grounds: the failure of goods and services to respond to a previous 15% fare reduction in May, the recent GH¢1.00 per litre fuel levy leading to an 8% fuel price increase, and rising vehicle maintenance costs due to poor road conditions.