The Ghana Private Roads Transport Union (GPRTU) and allied transport associations have threatened to protest against the introduction of the GHc1 fuel levy.
The objective of the GH¢1 fuel levy, which Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson included in Ghana’s 2025 Budget, is to improve the energy sector’s severe financial difficulties.
About GH¢5–6 billion is expected to be raised by this tax, which will be used to address the energy sector’s legacy debts and under-recovery problems, as well as to make up for income gaps left by the elimination of the E-tax.
Dr. Forson underlined that this action is a component of a larger plan to maintain economic stability and guarantee the sustainability of the energy supply.
The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), in particular, has voiced strong resistance to the levy’s implementation, claiming both passengers and transport providers will be burdened by the increased expense.
If the levy is not reexamined, the GPRTU has responded by threatening a nationwide strike that would begin on June 10, 2025. They are calling for a complete consultation with the administration and pertinent parties, as well as an immediate reversal of the policy.
“We are therefore calling on the government to reverse the levy immediately and engage us and stakeholders on the way forward,” Imoro declared.
“In the event that our call is not heeded, we will be compelled to take industrial action and park our vehicles on June 10, 2025. We urge the government to consider the impact of the levy on the transport sector and the catastrophic consequences of our action on the economy, and engage us in meaningful deliberations to help address challenges in the energy sector.”
Energy Minister John Jinapor and former Energy Minister Dr. Kwabena Donkor have supported the fee in the face of criticism, arguing that it is an essential step in addressing the financial difficulties facing the energy industry and averting future crises.
