Ride-hailing drivers in Ghana are pushing back against the 15% fare reduction announced by the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), insisting that they were never consulted in the decision.
The Ghana Online Drivers Union has made it clear that the directive applies only to public transport and does not include ride-hailing platforms such as Uber, Bolt, and Yango, sparking concerns over unfair pricing policies and lack of formal representation in fare negotiations.
Drivers demand industry recognition
Speaking to Joy business, Francis Tengey, president of the Ghana Online Drivers Union, stated that they are not obligated to implement the fare reduction since ride-hailing services operate independently of GPRTU regulations. “If the platform operators go ahead with any unilateral action, we will advise ourselves and embark on some form of demonstration,” he warned.
He further called on the government to officially recognize their union, enabling them to negotiate with ride-hailing platforms directly and protect drivers’ financial interests
“The time has come for real regulation in this space. We are calling on the Minister of Transport to recognize the union and implement policies that ensure fairness and sustainability in the industry,” Mr. Tengey added.
Concerns over service charges
While ride-hailing drivers acknowledge that a fare reduction could benefit passengers, they argue that any cut should be accompanied by a decrease in service fees charged by ride-hailing platforms. Reports by GhanaWeb indicate that drivers currently pay commission rates ranging from 18% to 25%, significantly eating into their earnings. The union has urged the Ministry of Transport to include them in future discussions, emphasizing that proper representation is key to balancing costs for both drivers and commuters
is a strike possible?
While there has been no official strike declaration, tensions remain high as drivers push for fair treatment. Many fear that implementing a fare reduction without adjusting commission rates could make their services unsustainable. Industry experts believe that if no resolution is reached, ride-hailing drivers could resort to strike action as a last measure to force negotiations.
As ride-hailing continues to reshape urban mobility in Ghana, the call for inclusion in transport policies grows louder. Whether the government and ride-hailing platforms will engage the drivers in formal discussions remains to be seen.
