Ghana’s largest transport union has issued a firm ultimatum to the government, threatening a nationwide strike on Tuesday, June 10, over a newly approved GH¢1 fuel levy.
The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), which represents over 200,000 drivers and vehicle owners, says the tax is unsustainable and was introduced without proper consultation. At a press conference in Accra on Thursday, June 5, the union condemned the government’s move, warning it could lead to a sharp rise in transport fares and widespread hardship for commuters.
“This GH¢1 increment per litre, which translates to a direct 6.7% surge in our primary operational cost, comes on the heels of already escalating expenses,” said Abass Ibrahim Imoro, the Industrial Public Relations Officer of the GPRTU.
Imoro noted that drivers and operators have already been struggling with increased costs of spare parts, vehicle maintenance, and insurance, which have risen between 15% and 20% in the last year. The union estimates that if the levy is implemented, passengers could see fare increases of between 10% and 15%.
“For a country where over 60% of urban residents rely on public transport every day, this is a burden ordinary Ghanaians cannot bear,” he added.
The GH¢1 levy is part of the newly passed Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which was approved by Parliament and signed into law earlier this week. According to the government, the measure is expected to raise approximately GH¢5.7 billion to help reduce energy sector debts, which currently stand at US$3.1 billion.
Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has defended the levy, insisting it is necessary to stabilise the country’s power generation capacity. He also argued that recent gains made by the Ghana cedi would help absorb the levy’s impact, meaning fuel prices at the pump would not rise immediately.
However, transport operators have dismissed the assurance, claiming any increase in fuel cost—regardless of currency strength—will have a direct effect on their day-to-day operations.
“The government cannot introduce such a policy unilaterally. It affects every aspect of our business and the economy at large,” Imoro stated. “We are therefore calling on the government to reverse the levy immediately and engage us and stakeholders on the way forward.”
The GPRTU’s call for dialogue comes with a clear warning. If the government does not respond by Monday, June 10, members of the union will begin an indefinite strike by parking their vehicles across the country.
“In the event that our call is not heeded, we will be compelled to take industrial action,” Imoro said. “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.”
With just days to go before the union’s deadline, concerns are rising over the potential disruption to movement across the country. A nationwide transport strike would not only affect commuters but could also cripple supply chains, hinder business operations, and strain the delivery of essential goods and services.
While the government maintains that the levy is crucial for long-term energy sector reform, transport operators insist that any intervention must be weighed against its immediate impact on the people who move Ghana forward—literally.
The coming days may prove pivotal as both sides face mounting pressure to avoid a standoff that could bring much of the country to a halt.
