Transport Operators Give Ghana Government Two-Day Ultimatum to Stabilise Fuel Prices or Face 20 Percent Fare Hike

Commercial transport operators in Ghana have issued a two-day ultimatum to the government, demanding urgent intervention to stabilise fuel prices or they will increase lorry fares by 20 percent.

In a press release dated March 29, 2026, the operators warned the Ministry of Energy and government authorities to take immediate and drastic measures to address what they described as persistent fuel price volatility. The group said the continued upward trend in fuel prices is severely affecting their operations and threatening the sustainability of their businesses.

The transport sector is the backbone of Ghana’s economy, the statement read, adding that any instability in fuel supply or pricing has far-reaching consequences for the entire nation. The operators said their patience is wearing thin.

They cautioned that failure by the government to act decisively within the given timeframe would compel them to increase transport fares by 20 percent. They acknowledged that such a move would also impact the general public, who are already struggling to make ends meet.

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The operators are demanding a series of measures, including immediate steps to stabilise fuel prices, a reduction in taxes and levies on petroleum products, and greater transparency in fuel pricing to prevent exploitation. While expressing willingness to engage with authorities to find a solution, the group stressed that they would not tolerate inaction on what they described as a growing fuel crisis.

The statement was jointly signed by Samuel Amoah of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union under the Trades Union Congress, Asonaba Nana Wiredu, National Chairman of the Commercial Transport Operators of Ghana, Paa Willie, National Chairman of the Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana, David Agboado, PRO of the Concerned Drivers Association, and Yaw Barimah, PRO of the True Drivers Union.

The ultimatum comes at a time when fuel prices in Ghana have been climbing steadily, driven by global market trends and domestic taxation policies. For transport operators, who rely heavily on fuel to keep their vehicles running, the price increases have squeezed profit margins to the point where many are struggling to stay afloat.

For the general public, a 20 percent increase in transport fares would add yet another burden to households already dealing with rising food costs, electricity tariffs, and general inflation. The operators acknowledged this in their statement, making clear that they are not taking the threat lightly but feel they have been left with no choice.

As the two-day clock ticks, all eyes are on the government to see whether it will engage with the unions, offer concessions on fuel taxes, or risk a fare hike that would affect millions of Ghanaians. The Ministry of Energy has not yet issued a public response to the ultimatum.

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