The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has officially suspended its planned nationwide strike following engagements with the government over the controversial GH¢1 fuel levy.
Speaking to 3News on Monday, June 9, GPRTU’s Public Relations Officer, Abass Imoro confirmed that the decision was taken after the government postponed the implementation of the levy to June 16, 2025.
“We have called off the intended sit-down strike action we came up with. We’ve been engaged by the Transport Ministry. We shall communicate our final decision taken on June 16,” Mr Imoro said.
The GPRTU had earlier threatened to embark on a nationwide strike on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, in protest of what they described as a burdensome and unilateral policy decision.
The union strongly opposed the GH¢1 increase in the fuel levy, calling it unjust and imposed without adequate stakeholder consultation.
Addressing a press conference on Thursday, June 5, Mr. Imoro condemned the levy, warning that it would impose hardship on drivers and the transport sector at large.
The levy was introduced through the Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which Parliament passed on Tuesday, June 3.
President John Dramani Mahama assented to the bill on Thursday, June 5, solidifying it into law.
According to Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the levy is expected to generate approximately GH¢5.7 billion in revenue.
The funds, government says, will be used to reduce Ghana’s ballooning energy sector debt—currently estimated at $3.1 billion—and to secure \$1.2 billion worth of fuel for thermal power generation in 2025.
Despite the government’s justification, the levy has sparked widespread criticism from the public with critics arguing that it will further burden Ghanaians already struggling with high fuel prices and cost of living.
Meanwhile, the levy, previously scheduled to take effect on today June 9, has been postponed to June 16 after stakeholder consultation.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/Hamdia Mohammed
