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 that they are deliberately creating artificial vehicle shortages in Accra and other major urban centres.
The move follows mounting public complaints about persistent transport shortages and high fares, despite recent reductions in fuel prices and import duties on spare parts—measures that were expected to lower operating costs and translate into relief for commuters.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, the Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, revealed that the Transport Minister is deeply concerned about what he described as rent-seeking practices within the commercial transport sector.
“The minister has requested a meeting with the GPRTU and other transport operators to address the issue of rent-seeking and to call those engaged in that activity to order so that the hardship is alleviated,” Mr Kwakye Ofosu stated.
He explained that some commercial drivers intentionally avoid designated transport terminals, opting instead to roam in search of stranded and desperate commuters. This behaviour, he said, artificially reduces the number of vehicles available at approved stations and compels passengers to pay inflated fares.
“Some of these operators do not go to the designated spots. They roam in the hope that the shortage created will compel commuters to part with more money than they should ordinarily pay,” he noted.
The meeting with transport operators is expected to explore measures to curb the practice and ensure that recent cost reductions in the transport sector translate into fairer fares and improved availability of commercial vehicles for the commuting public.
