The Minister of Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, has called upon officials from the Ghana Private Roads and Transport Union (GPRTU), along with other commercial transport operators, regarding the issue of artificial scarcity within the sector.
During the Government Accountability Series held on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu stated that certain commercial vehicle operators are participating in rent-seeking behavior by restricting vehicle availability to increase fares, even in light of decreased fuel prices and reduced import duties on spare parts.
“The [Transport] minister has also informed me that he has scheduled a meeting with the GPRTU and other transport operators for tomorrow or thereabouts to discuss the issue of rent-seeking, aiming to bring those involved in such practices to account in order to alleviate the hardship.
Currently, some of these operators fail to adhere to designated pick-up locations. Instead, they wander in hopes that the artificially created shortage will force passengers or commuters to pay more than they should normally be charged.
“They are instigating scarcity to inflate prices, thereby engaging in rent-seeking behavior. This is an illegal activity that requires investigation,” he remarked.
Mr. Ofosu further noted that drivers frequently intentionally create scarcity within the transport system, particularly in urban areas during peak hours, to enhance their profits.
The transportation situation in Accra has deteriorated in recent days, with commuters experiencing long wait times and increased fares, especially during peak hours.
This issue escalated over the 2025 holiday season and continues to impact passengers in regions such as Madina, Amasaman, and Kasoa, despite the Transport Minister’s assurances that measures are being put in place to address these challenges.
Recognizing the hardships, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu mentioned that commuting within the capital has become progressively more difficult during morning and evening rush hours. Nevertheless, the government is taking proactive steps to confront drivers who partake in these unlawful activities.
“The situation is that the transport sector is predominantly led by the private sector, which is why we have organizations like the GPRTU and various transport unions that manage the systems responsible for transporting the public,” he stated.
He elaborated that after a series of reductions in fuel prices—resulting in a 15% decrease in transport fares—some operators have taken to creating artificial shortages to enhance their profits.
“Following the ongoing decline in fuel prices, there are operators who have chosen to engage in improper practices by generating artificial shortages,” he remarked, referencing instances where drivers intentionally bypassed designated stations, including locations such as Kwame Nkrumah Circle, instead wandering in search of desperate commuters willing to pay higher fares.
“This constitutes an illegal activity, and the government is currently addressing the issue to ensure that those participating in such conduct are appropriately penalized,” he added.
