The Minister of Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, has summoned officials of the Ghana Private Roads and Transport Union (GPRTU) and other commercial transport operators over allegations of deliberately creating artificial scarcity in the transport sector.
The action follows mounting complaints of worsening transportation conditions in Accra and other urban centres, where commuters have faced long queues and inflated fares, particularly during peak hours.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, the Minister of Information, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, said some commercial vehicle operators are engaging in rent-seeking behaviour by limiting vehicle availability to drive up fares, despite recent reductions in fuel prices and import duties on spare parts.
“The Transport Minister has informed me that he has requested a meeting with the GPRTU and other transport operators to address the issue of rent-seeking,” Mr. Kwakye Ofosu said. “Some operators deliberately avoid designated stations and roam around in the hope that the artificial shortage they create will compel commuters to pay more than they should.”
He explained that drivers often stay away from official loading points, including major terminals such as Kwame Nkrumah Circle, instead cruising around in search of desperate passengers willing to pay higher fares.
Mr. Kwakye Ofosu described the practice as unlawful and assured the public that government will take action against operators found engaging in such conduct.
Transportation challenges in Accra have intensified in recent weeks, with areas such as Madina, Amasaman, and Kasoa recording long commuter queues and fare increases.
The situation worsened during the 2025 yuletide and has persisted into the new year, despite assurances from the Transport Ministry that measures are being implemented to ease the crisis.
While acknowledging the difficulties faced by commuters, the Information Minister noted that the transport sector is largely private-sector-led, with unions such as the GPRTU playing a key role in organising public transport services.
He further revealed that following successive reductions in fuel prices — which resulted in a 15 per cent reduction in transport fares — some operators resorted to creating artificial shortages to maximise profits.
“After the persistent reduction in fuel prices, some operators have decided to engage in undue practices by creating artificial shortages,” he said. “It is an unlawful activity, and government is looking at it to ensure that those involved are dealt with.”
The Transport Ministry says the engagement with transport unions is expected to restore order, improve vehicle availability, and ease the daily commuting burden on residents of the capital and other affected areas.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh / Benjamin Sackey
