Fuel Levy: Commercial transport operators suspend nationwide strike

Commercial transport operators across the country have suspended their planned nationwide strike, initially scheduled for today, Tuesday, June 10, 2025.

The various drivers’ unions intended to protest against the controversial GH₵1 levy on petroleum products recently introduced by the government.

However, the unions announced the suspension of the strike following a meeting with officials from the Ministry of Transport that was deemed successful.

The Deputy Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), Samuel Amoah, in an interview, stated that the government has assured them that the levy will not lead to an increase in fuel prices.

“What we have to do now is to monitor the situation to see if, by September, there will be any changes. If nothing changes, then it means we do not have a case.

“But if prices go up, it would increase our operational costs—and that’s when we will reconsider our decision. That is why we decided to suspend the strike. We have officially called it off,” Amoah explained.

Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC), Duncan Amoah, launched a scathing critique of the government’s new GH¢1 levy on every litre of petroleum products, warning that it will place a heavy burden on all Ghanaians.

In a media interview, Mr. Amoah described the tax as “counterproductive” and “a direct hit on the pockets of struggling citizens”, especially at a time when the cost of living remains high and that its consequences would be severe for all Ghanaians.

“This move is clearly a case of creating holes in our pockets and taking whatever you find; it doesn’t help,” he said.