Rent-Seeking in Transport Sector Unlawful – Government Warns Operators

Government has raised concerns over what it describes as unlawful rent-seeking behaviour by some transport operators following the recent reduction in fuel prices and the subsequent 15 percent cut in transport fares.

Speaking at the Government Accountability Series today 14th January, 2026, Hon. Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister of Government Communications and Spokesperson for the President stated that, although public transportation in Ghana is largely private-sector driven, certain operators within transport unions such as the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) have deliberately created artificial shortages to exploit passengers.

Explaining the situation, Hon. Felix Kwakye Ofosu noted that instead of operating from designated transport terminals where commuters usually board vehicles, some drivers roam within cities, particularly around major transport hubs such as the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange and Circle, in the hope that the scarcity of vehicles will force passengers to pay higher fares.

“These operators are deliberately creating scarcity to drive up prices. This is rent-seeking behaviour, it is unlawful, and it must be addressed,” He said.

He stressed that there is an existing agreement with transport unions to review transport fares twice a year unless extraordinary circumstances arise, and operators are expected to adhere strictly to the agreed fares.

In response to the situation, the Minister for Transport earlier directed the State Transport Company (STC) to deploy dozens of buses to supplement private transport services, a move that significantly eased congestion, especially during the festive season when passenger numbers surged.

However, following the withdrawal of the STC buses after the festivities, the rent-seeking behaviour reportedly persisted. As a result, the minister has instructed STC to redeploy the buses onto the roads.

Additionally, several Metro Mass Transit buses that had broken down are being fast-tracked for repairs. The minister has ordered that once fixed, these buses should operate outside their usual routes and schedules to help ease the current congestion.

He further disclosed that the Minister for Transport is expected to meet with the Joint Road Transport Unions (JRTU) and other transport operators within days to address the issue and caution those engaging in exploitative practices.

While government continues to expand the fleet of Metro Mass Transit buses, He reiterated that public transportation remains largely driven by the private sector and urged operators to play by the rules.

Transport operators have therefore been warned to desist from creating artificial shortages and unfairly exploiting passengers, as government intensifies efforts to bring relief to commuters across the country.