The leadership of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has impressed on the government of Ghana to reverse the GHS1 Energy Sector Levy recently announced and imposed on petroleum products.

“This levy will not only cripple our business but will also have a ripple effect on the entire economy, especially on low-income earners who depend on public transport daily,” a June 5, 2025, statement by the union, with support from “allied commercial transport operators” explained.

Apart from the reversal of the levy’s imposition, the union indicated it was blindsided by the government concerning the controversial levy, and wanted “genuine and inclusive stakeholder consultation,” for resolution.

“Imposing taxes without consultation and consideration of its impact is not the way forward,” it emphasised.

The union cautioned, “Should the government fail to respond appropriately to us, we will resolve to embark on a nationwide sit-down strike effective Tuesday, June 10, 2025.”

President John Mahama’s government has announced a GHS1 levy on every 1litre of fuel purchased.

Read more below:

PRESS RELEASE

Date: June 5, 2025

COMMERCIAL TRANSPORT OPERATORS AND GPRTU DEMAND IMMEDIATE REVERSAL OF GH¢1 ENERGY SECTOR LEVY

We, the leadership of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and other allied commercial transport operators, are calling on the government for the immediate reversal of the GH¢1 energy sector levy recently imposed on petroleum products.

This levy will not only cripple our business but will also have a ripple effect on the entire economy, especially on low-income earners who depend on public transport daily.

The following are our demands:

* Immediate removal of the GH¢1 energy sector levy on petroleum products.

* Genuine and inclusive stakeholder consultation on resolving challenges within the energy sector without burdening transport operators and commuters.

Should the government fail to respond appropriately to us, we will resolve to embark on a nationwide sit-down strike effective Tuesday, June 10, 2025.

Imposing taxes without consultation and consideration of its impact is not the way forward.

We urge the government to reconsider this policy and engage all relevant stakeholders in a dialogue that leads to fair and sustainable solutions.

For media inquiries, contact:

* Alhaji Abass Moro, GPRTU National P.R.O – 0275595027

* Samuel Amoah, GPRTU Deputy P.R.O – 0243062953

* Paa Willie, Concerned Drivers Association, National Chairman – 0242971025

* Yaw Barima, True Drivers Union, National P.R.O – 0554822565

* David Agboado, Concerned Drivers Association, National P.R.O – 0541063682

* Asonaba Nana Wiredu, Concerned Drivers Association, Deputy Secretary – 0540377307