Transport Operators Put Strike Plans On Hold Over GHS1 Fuel Levy After Govt Assurance
Accra, Ghana 10 June, 2025 - Following a meeting with the Ministry of Transport on June 9, commercial transport operators in Ghana have put their planned nationwide strike on hold.
The strike, slated to start on June 10, was called off after government officials assured the operators that the new GHS1 fuel levy wouldn't impact fuel prices.
The operators will closely monitor the situation to ensure the government's promise holds true.
According to Samuel Amoah, Public Relations Officer for the transport group, the Ministry of Transport explained that the levy wouldn't lead to changes in fuel prices at the pumps.
“We had a meeting today with the Transport Ministry, and as we stated earlier, our issues have to do with the GHS1 cedi levy that is going to be on the petroleum product, which to us is going to be another cost added to what we have already been paying at the pump,'' he said in an interview with Citi Newsroom.
“So when we had the meeting, the explanation given to us was that, looking at how things are going, nothing is going to change at the pump as we go to buy the fuel. What it means is that this GHS1 is not going to change what we buy at the pump, so we said, if that’s the case, we will suspend it.
“Also, the implementation has not been done. So what we have to do is monitor to see if there is any change. If nothing changes in terms of the price, then it means that we do not have a case. But if an increment is made, then we will also make our decision. That is why we have suspended the strike,” he said.
The transport operators had planned to strike in protest of the Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which imposes a GHS1 levy on every litre of fuel sold.
According to the government, this bill is projected to generate GHS5.7 billion, which will be used to settle energy sector debts and procure fuel. However, critics, including the transport operators, are concerned that the levy could lead to higher fuel prices and increased inflation.
The operators have agreed to put their strike plans on hold, pending the government's assurance that fuel prices will not increase. Their decision to proceed with or abandon the strike will depend on whether fuel prices remain stable or rise.
Source: Lead News Online
