Head of Industrial Relations at the Ghana Private Road Transport Union, Alhaji Abass Imoro, has warned that transport operators may be compelled to raise fares at levels they consider appropriate if authorities permit VIP Jeoun Transport to proceed with a proposed 25 percent increase.

His comments follow reports that the company intends to implement the fare hike from April 8 without prior engagement with the Ministry of Transport.

Speaking in an interview, April 7, Mr Imoro stressed that fare adjustments are traditionally agreed upon through consultations between transport unions and the Ministry, taking into account prevailing economic conditions such as wages and the cost of living.

He noted that the GPRTU has often exercised restraint in its demands, working with government even when it sought higher increments, but cautioned that such cooperation could be jeopardised if a single operator is allowed to act independently.

Mr Imoro also criticised what he described as weak regulatory oversight, questioning why one transport provider—particularly one without nationwide operations—would be permitted to unilaterally determine fares.

He warned that such a development could create disparities in pricing across the country, further burdening commuters already facing rising living expenses.

The Union is therefore urging the Transport Ministry to step in and ensure that any fare reviews are carried out through the established consultative framework to preserve stability within the sector.

“We will be surprised if tomorrow, VIP comes up with the 25% increase. We are assuring the Transport Ministry that we will make sure, everywhere throughout the country, everybody will be charging how he wants.,” he stated.

"Because most often, whatever percentage we arrive at and we want to work with it, the Transport Ministry engage us, talks to us and plead with us at times to the extent that workers’ salary has not been increased, that we should consider all those things and finally we agree and come back with reasonable percentage.

"So, if VIP, a transport operation company can decide on their own to add 25%, no government official will go to them and bargain with them, you have just allowed them to charge us how they think it is possible for them, we are assuring the Transport Ministry that if they do, they shouldn’t blame anybody. Every transport operator will charge how they deem necessary," he added.