A disagreement has erupted between trotro drivers and passengers travelling from Kumasi to Offinso following an alleged unauthorized GH¢5 increase in transport fares.
The dispute occurred on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, after some commercial drivers reportedly increased fares on the Offinso route without prior approval or consultation with passengers.
According to reports, the drivers justified the fare increase by pointing to rising fuel prices, vehicle maintenance costs, spare parts prices, traffic congestion and poor road conditions along parts of the route.
The commercial drivers said increasing operational expenses had made it difficult to continue charging the previous transport fare. They argued that higher fuel costs and frequent vehicle repairs were putting significant pressure on their businesses.
However, passengers strongly opposed what they described as a unilateral increase in transport fares, arguing that the additional GH¢5 would worsen the financial burden on commuters already dealing with Ghana’s rising cost of living.
Passengers called on transport authorities to intervene and ensure that any future trotro fare increases follow the appropriate consultation and approval processes.
Some commuters also appealed to the government to introduce more state-owned buses and affordable public transportation services to provide alternatives for passengers and reduce pressure on commercial transport operators.
They further urged the government to improve roads along the Kumasi-Offinso route, saying deteriorating road infrastructure contributes to higher vehicle maintenance costs and transport fares.
The latest Offinso transport fare dispute has renewed calls for stronger cooperation between commercial drivers, passengers and government authorities to address fare increases and find a lasting solution to transportation challenges in the area.
The development also highlights broader concerns about public transport fares in Ghana, rising fuel prices, road conditions and the increasing cost of living faced by commuters.
Source: newsthemegh.com