The state owned transport operator, Intercity STC Coaches Limited has moved to calm growing public anxiety over possible fare hikes, insisting that its prices remain unchanged despite widespread speculation across the transport sector.
In a press release, the company stated that it has not reviewed or adjusted its fares as of that date. The statement comes at a time when transport operators across the country are under pressure from rising fuel prices, with many commuters already bracing for increased travel costs.
The release, signed by Managing Director Al Hassan Ligbi, stressed that the company continues to operate strictly under directives from the Ministry of Transport and only implements fare changes when approved by the appropriate authorities.
“We would like to assure the public that, we operate strictly in accordance with directives from the Ministry of Transport and only implement fare adjustments as approved by the appropriate authorities. We sincerely appreciate the trust and loyalty of our valued customers and reaffirm our commitment to delivering quality service at all times. We therefore urge the public to disregard any rumours suggesting that ISTC Coaches Limited has increased its fares.”
Al Hassan Ligbi
The clarification follows a wave of uncertainty within the transport industry, where several private operators have either announced fare increases or signalled intentions to do so in response to rising operational costs. For many passengers, especially those who rely on long distance travel, the possibility of higher fares has become a major concern, with transport costs already taking a significant portion of household spending.
Private Transport Fare Adjustments Trigger Industry Wide Uncertainty
The reassurance from STC comes against the backdrop of fare increases announced by private operator VIP Jeoun Transport, which implemented new pricing across its routes effective April 8.
The transport company adjusted fares for both standard and executive services on multiple routes, including major corridors such as Accra to Kumasi and Accra to Tamale. The move marked the first fare review by the company in nearly two years and has been widely linked to rising fuel prices, which have seen significant increases since the beginning of 2026.
In addition to the implemented increases, transport operators have also mounted pressure on government to intervene. Some industry players issued ultimatums calling for reductions in fuel related taxes, warning that failure to act could lead to further fare hikes across the sector.
These developments come in the wake of growing tensions within the transport sector over fuel pricing and operational costs, which operators say have significantly increased over recent weeks. Private transport operator VIP Jeoun Transport had earlier announced a 25% adjustment in fares across selected routes, citing rising fuel expenses, maintenance costs and broader economic pressures affecting transport operations.
The announcement by VIP Jeoun was made ahead of a scheduled government Cabinet meeting on April 9, which was expected to consider possible interventions in the fuel pricing structure. The timing of the fare adjustment contributed to wider discussions within the transport sector, as other operators indicated that they were monitoring government’s response before taking similar steps.
The situation also prompted a reaction from the Ghana Private Road Transport Union GPRTU, where the Head of Industrial Relations warned of possible sector wide action if fare adjustments by some operators were allowed to stand without a broader industry agreement. He stated, “If VIP is allowed to increase transport fares by 25% we will instruct all GPRTU members to also increase.”
Following the Government’s Cabinet engagement on the same day, officials indicated that measures under consideration included short term interventions aimed at stabilising fuel prices and easing pressure on transport operators.
The STC’s assurance that it has not increased fares serves as confirmation that no official adjustment has been approved for its services despite wider industry concerns. The company urged passengers to disregard rumours suggesting otherwise and maintained that any future changes would follow formal government approval channels.
