Tricycle operators in Ho, popularly called “Mahama Can do,” have begun charging new fares ranging from GhC4 to GhC12, defying a directive issued by the Ho Municipal Assembly to refrain from such increases. The move was announced by the leadership of the Volta Region branch of the National Union of Tricycle Operators, Ghana, which approved the new rates effective Monday, 7 September 2026.
Operators say escalating fuel and spare‑parts costs have forced them to raise fares to keep their businesses viable. “Since 2022, tricycle fares in Ho have stagnated between GhC3 and GhC6, depending on the distance, although fuel prices have risen several times over the last six years,” explained Togbe Damadui III, Public Relations Officer of the Union’s Volta Region branch. He added, “If I buy fuel at the cost of GhC150, then after the whole day, I have earned GhC160. How do I account to the owner? What do I take home? So, they, they, they should also bear with us.”
The Ho Municipal Assembly, led by Chief Executive Stephen Adom, quickly released a communiqué urging riders to desist from charging the new fares and warning commuters not to pay the proposed prices. The communiqué stated that the fare increase could create “unnecessary tension and hardship” for commuters and that the Assembly was engaging stakeholders to seek an amicable resolution. It further urged the public to continue paying the existing GhC3 fare pending any officially approved adjustment.
The announcement triggered near chaos in parts of the regional capital when passengers learned of the hike. While some acknowledged prior notification, others denied knowledge of the increase and refused to pay the new rates. The Assembly’s communiqué emphasized that unilateral fare adjustments could cause undue strain on the traveling public.
In a telephone interview, Togbe Damadui III expressed disappointment with the Assembly’s stance and denied any prior stakeholder engagement. He urged the MCE to “leave the political colours and let us deal with the issue.”
As discussions continue, commuters are advised to adhere to the current GhC3 fare until an official adjustment is communicated by the appropriate authorities. The Assembly remains open to dialogue with tricycle operators to address the economic pressures driving the fare increase.
