Transport sector in crisis as high vehicle costs, spare parts prices Hit Operations – GPRTU

According to report by Kessbenonline on Thursday 12, 2026, the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has raised concerns over the increasing cost of vehicles, expensive spare parts and exorbitant charges at some transport terminals, warning that the challenges are putting significant financial pressure on commercial transport operators across the country.

The union says the situation is becoming increasingly difficult for drivers and vehicle owners, despite the relative stability of Ghana’s economy, and has called on the government to urgently intervene to prevent further difficulties within the transport sector.

Speaking on Kessben Maakye in Accra, the Deputy Public Relations Officer of the GPRTU, Samuel Amoah, explained that commercial transport remains a critical component of Ghana’s economic development. However, he noted that operators continue to encounter several challenges that threaten their ability to provide reliable services to passengers.

According to him, discussions with spare parts dealers have revealed persistent difficulties associated with importing vehicle components, resulting in increased prices and making it difficult for commercial drivers to maintain their vehicles.

He disclosed that several commercial vehicles are currently grounded at various workshops because their owners cannot afford the replacement parts needed to repair them. This situation, he said, is affecting the operations of drivers and reducing the availability of vehicles for public transportation.

Samuel Amoah also expressed concern about the growing financial burden on commercial drivers, cautioning against allowing individual drivers to independently determine transport fares. He suggested that such an arrangement could create confusion, disagreements and instability within the transport sector.

The GPRTU Deputy PRO further criticised the management of certain transport terminals, alleging that some facilities handed over to private operators have become increasingly expensive for commercial drivers to use.

He explained that the excessive charges imposed at these terminals are discouraging drivers from operating from designated stations, with some choosing to abandon the facilities altogether. According to him, this development often leaves passengers stranded while creating additional difficulties for commuters who depend on public transportation.

Meanwhile, Amoah disclosed that the union has appealed to the government to provide new buses to support its operations and improve transportation services. However, he indicated that the request is still pending before the President.

He questioned why other transport operators, including Metro Mass Transit and Aayalolo Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), have benefited from the provision of new buses while GPRTU members continue to struggle with ageing vehicles and the rising cost of maintenance.

He therefore urged the government to give the concerns of commercial transport operators the necessary attention and consider providing support to help address the challenges.

Samuel Amoah stressed that the transport sector plays an essential role in Ghana’s economy by facilitating the movement of people and goods, creating employment opportunities and supporting businesses.

He maintained that addressing the difficulties confronting transport operators would not only improve their working conditions but also help ensure affordable, efficient and reliable transportation services for the general public.