GH₵1 is not small money – GPRTU tackles Mahama gov’t over ‘dumsor’ levy

Alhaji Abass Imoro is the Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU). He has criticized the GH₵1 dumsor levy proposed by the John Mahama-led government.

Imoro stated that a 1 cedi increase per litre is significant. He pointed out that the government has not clearly explained the Energy Sector Levy Amendment Bill 2025. This bill introduces a GH₵1 increase on petroleum products.

Speaking on Citi TV, Imoro expressed his concerns. He said, “We are not clear with their explanation.” He noted that they recently reduced lorry fares, hoping for relief from currency appreciation and fuel price drops. Instead, they faced another tax.

He emphasized that this levy impacts professional drivers significantly. “One cedi per litre means a lot,” he added. Whenever fuel prices drop, it provides some relief for drivers.

In response, President John Dramani Mahama stated that the energy sector levy would not raise fuel prices. He described the ₵1 dumsor levy as a difficult but necessary decision.

Mahama asserted that this levy would not lead to higher fuel costs. He urged Ghana to leverage recent currency gains to address energy sector challenges.

During a presentation at Jubilee House, Mahama said, “This was not a decision we took lightly.” He reiterated its necessity and justifiability in solving energy issues in Ghana.