The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has expressed disappointment over the government’s failure to consult key stakeholders before introducing the GH¢1 fuel levy.
Speaking on Morning Starr with Naa Dedei Tettey, GPRTU Public Relations Officer, Abass Imoro, said the union feels disrespected and blindsided by the lack of engagement.
The GPRTU believes the approach is flawed, particularly because transport operators — who consume large volumes of fuel — were left out of the decision-making process.
He further noted that if the government had engaged the union and explained the rationale behind the levy, members might have reacted differently.
Mr. Imoro stated, “They should have [stakeholder consultation], because even if they’ve forgotten about us, just yesterday, we came out with a very fair reduction. The president came out and thanked us for a human job. So, if they want to do something about fuel, don’t you think they should have at least have discussions with us to have a better understanding. In case they did, are we going to say what we are saying today?”
He added, “If they did and we have a better understanding and we are satisfied, we will not say anything about it. We are now having some doubts in our mind. I am saying you need that money to pay for a debt and you say you will definitely get the money, but you won’t get the money through those who most often use the fuel. They say they will get the money alright, but it won’t come from the pump. Where are you going to get the money? We just want to have clear conscience towards that.”
The levy, introduced through the Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Bill, 2025, was passed by Parliament on Tuesday, June 3.
It imposes a GH¢1 tax on every litre of petroleum product — a move that has been widely criticised by sections of the public, including transport operators and the Minority in Parliament.
Government has defended the decision, arguing that the measure is a critical intervention to rescue Ghana’s struggling energy sector, which is weighed down by a legacy debt of approximately $3.1 billion.
Presenting the bill, Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson assured Ghanaians that the new tax would not lead to higher fuel prices due to the recent appreciation of the cedi.
He explained that revenue from the levy would be used to purchase fuel for electricity generation, aimed at reducing power outages and stabilising the national grid.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/Hamdia Mohammed
