GPRTU Threatens Nationwide Strike on June 10 Over GHC1 Fuel Levy
Commercial transport operators warn of halted services nationwide unless government reverses the controversial fuel levy introduced to address the energy sector debt.
- GPRTU threatens nationwide strike on June 10 over GHC1 fuel levy
- Union says levy increases operational costs and risks business closures
- Calls on government to revoke levy and hold stakeholder talks immediately
The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has issued a stern warning of a nationwide strike set for June 10, 2025, in opposition to the newly introduced GHC1.00 levy on petroleum products, widely dubbed the “Dumsor Levy.”
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, June 5, GPRTU’s Industrial Public Relations Officer, Abass Ibrahim Imoro, voiced strong objections to the tax, arguing it would impose crippling costs on commercial drivers and threaten the survival of many in the transport sector.
He criticized the government’s approach, stating the decision was made without proper consultation and could force many operators out of business due to escalating operational expenses.
“We are urging government to immediately revoke this levy and involve stakeholders in meaningful discussions. If our demands are ignored, we will have no choice but to withdraw our services nationwide on June 10,” Imoro declared.
The fuel levy, part of the Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Bill, 2025, was recently passed by Parliament and is projected to raise GHS5.7 billion in revenue. According to Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the funds will help reduce the nation’s $3.1 billion energy sector debt and support thermal power generation needs estimated at $1.2 billion for 2025.
With the strike threat looming, the government faces mounting pressure to reconsider the policy amid fears of nationwide transport disruption and its ripple effect on the economy and public life.
