Transport operators threaten nationwide strike over new fuel levy

Ghana’s commercial transport operators have warned that they will begin a nationwide strike on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, in protest of a new GH¢1 fuel levy. The drivers say this levy, part of the Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Bill passed by Parliament, will make their work more expensive and force them to increase transport fares—something they believe most Ghanaians cannot afford.

Speaking at a press conference in Accra on Thursday, June 5, the Industrial Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), Abass Ibrahim Imoro, expressed the frustration of over 200,000 drivers and vehicle owners across the country.

“This GH¢1 increment per litre, which translates to a direct 6.7% surge in our primary operational cost [assuming an average fuel price of GH¢15/litre], comes on the heels of already escalating expenses,” Imoro stated.

He explained that transport operators have already been dealing with a 15–20% increase in the cost of spare parts, vehicle maintenance, and insurance over the past year. Imoro warned that if the new levy remains in place, drivers may have no choice but to increase fares by 10–15%.

“This new levy could force us to implement a 10–15% fare hike, a burden that over 60% of urban Ghanaians who rely on public transport daily simply cannot bear.”

The GPRTU is asking the government to immediately cancel the levy and hold discussions with them and other key groups. “We are therefore calling on the government to reverse the levy immediately and engage us and stakeholders on the way forward,” Imoro declared.

He also warned, “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.”

The new levy is meant to raise about GH¢5.7 billion to help pay off Ghana’s energy sector debt, which stands at US$3.1 billion. Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson said the funds are also needed to buy fuel for power generation.

He assured the public that the strong performance of the Ghana Cedi would help reduce the impact of the levy, but transport operators remain unconvinced, saying the costs will still be passed on to passengers.