Transport operators threaten strike on June 10 if government fails to reverse the GH¢1 energy levy
The Commercial Transport Operators, including the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), are calling on the government to immediately reverse the GH¢1 Energy Sector Levy recently imposed on petroleum products.
Parliament, on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, approved the Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which introduces a GH¢1 levy on petroleum products.
But speaking at a press conference on Thursday, June 5, 2025, the Public Relations Officer of GPRTU, Abass Ibrahim Moro, described the levy as a burden that threatens the survival of the transport sector.
According to him, the new charge comes just weeks after a nationwide reduction in transport fares, creating a financial strain on operators already grappling with high operational costs.
“This levy will significantly increase our operational expenses, leading to a loss of income, which directly affects our livelihoods and that of the commuting public,” he stated.
The GPRTU and its allied transport unions are urging the government to reconsider the decision and engage transport stakeholders in dialogue over a sustainable solution to challenges in the energy sector.
“We are, therefore, calling on the government to reverse this levy immediately and engage us as major stakeholders on the way forward,” Abass added.
The union further warned that should the government fail to respond positively, drivers will, on June 10, 2025, embark on industrial action until their concerns are addressed.
“In the event that our call is not heeded, we will be compelled to take an industrial action and park our vehicles on June 10, 2025. We urge the government to consider reversing the levy on the transport sector or be ready for the consequences of our actions,” he said.
SP/AE