The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has announced plans to convene a meeting over the newly introduced GH¢1 levy on every litre of petroleum product, passed under the Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Bill, 2025.
Speaking on Morning Starr with Naa Dedei Tettey, GPRTU Public Relations Officer Abass Imoro said the union is seeking clarity on how the levy will be implemented and whether it will truly be cost-neutral for fuel consumers.
“We are yet to find out exactly where they are going to get the one cedi per litre money from, because they said it will affect their pump price, and we are wondering where exactly they are going to take that money from, because if care is not taken, maybe we could play a dangerous game.”
He noted that drivers were just beginning to see some relief with recent reductions in fuel prices, which allowed the union to implement a slight decrease in lorry fares.
Mr. Imoro said the union will soon meet to assess the full impact of the levy and determine the appropriate response.
“We, just yesterday, came up with a fair reduction on lorry fares. The next fuel window, we saw a reduction. Seeing brightness ahead of us, just for those in authority to turn around and say, yes, there is a debt, and that they have to introduce a slur by one cedi per litre. A professional driver, one cedi per litre is a lot of money for a professional driver. If fuel is being reduced by 20 per cent, we are happy we get a little relief. To the extent of one cedi per litre, you can imagine it. Yes, as transport operators, we want to have clear conscience towards it, because one city per litre is a lot of money for a professional driver. So, this one city times 4.5, times the number of gallons you buy, times 26 working days, you think it’s can be small money? So, we definitely want to be sure of what they have told us.”
The levy, which was approved by Parliament on Tuesday, June 3, has sparked widespread criticism.
Government officials, however, maintain that the tax is a necessary step to stabilise the country’s ailing energy sector, reduce dependence on debt-financed fuel procurement, and ensure consistent electricity supply.
Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, who laid the bill before Parliament, assured that the tax would not cause an increase in fuel prices due to recent gains in the value of the Ghanaian cedi.
He further stated that the levy would be used exclusively to procure fuel for power generation and enhance grid reliability.
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Ghana’s energy sector currently carries a legacy debt of approximately $3.1 billion, and government officials warn that failure to act could plunge the country into a full-blown power crisis.
Despite these assurances, the new tax has faced strong opposition from the Minority in Parliament and sparked concerns among transport operators and the public.
Some have compared it to the now-defunct e-levy, arguing that both policies burden consumers unnecessarily.
READ: Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/Hamdia Mohammed
