Users of ride-hailing applications in Ghana, such as Uber, Bolt, and Yango, should not anticipate a reduction in fares, despite the recent appreciation of the cedi and a decrease in fuel prices. The Ghana Online Drivers Union (ODU) has clarified that a 15% fare reduction announced by the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) for public transport services does not extend to their operations. This stance has led to frustration among commuters and accusations of exploitation from the GPRTU.

Francis Tengey, President of the Ghana Online Drivers Union, explained that ride-hailing drivers were not consulted in the GPRTU's decision-making process. He stated, “What the GPRTU did does not include us, because we have not been consulted. We are not part of them. We are the users of Uber, Bolt, and Yango. We have a union, but our union is not recognised by the GPRTU or the Trade Union.” Tengey highlighted that although the ODU applied for affiliation with the Trades Union Congress (TUC) in 2021, it has yet to receive official accreditation, leaving them without formal representation in key transport policy discussions. “Uber does not know GPRTU, Bolt and Yango do not know GPRTU,” he added. “As unions and representatives of the drivers, we were not part of the meeting that GPRTU and the Ministry of Transport held. So our customers cannot enjoy the 15% reduction on prices.”

The ODU is appealing to the Ghanaian government, specifically the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Youth and Employment, to regulate the ride-hailing sector and formally recognize the union. Tengey believes that official recognition would enable productive engagement with app-based transport companies and allow for fare-related decisions to originate from the union itself. He also cited high vehicle maintenance costs and ongoing fuel price volatility as factors influencing their current fare structure.

Meanwhile, the GPRTU has voiced strong dissatisfaction with the conduct of ride-hailing companies. Abass Ibrahim Moro, Public Relations Officer of the GPRTU, accused these platforms of exploiting Ghanaians by being quick to increase fares when traditional transport services do so, but reluctant to implement reductions. Speaking to GhanaWeb Business on May 27, 2025, Moro criticized the inconsistent pricing mechanisms of the apps, deeming them unfair. “Your system comes with your prices, so if I engage Uber and the price is not favorable to me, I will immediately go to Yango. If Yango's price is low or reasonable, why wouldn’t I choose Yango for my services?” he questioned, highlighting the lack of uniform pricing and adherence to national directives as problematic.

Consumer advocacy group CUTS International has also weighed in, calling on the government to take decisive action to ensure commuters benefit from falling fuel prices. The organization urged authorities to empower local assemblies to deregister and sanction drivers who fail to comply with the GPRTU’s 15% fare cut directive, asserting that no operator should be permitted to exploit passengers amid improving economic conditions.