GPRTU Blasts Gov’t Over New Fuel Tax Amid Recent Fare Cuts

The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) is unhappy with the government. They oppose a new GHS1 levy on petroleum products. The union claims policymakers ignored key stakeholders in transport.

In an interview on Original TV, Alhaji Abbas Ibrahim Moro spoke out. He called the policy a “heavy blow” to commercial drivers. Many drivers are already struggling with economic pressures.

Alhaji Abbas noted that the fuel levy was imposed without consultation. He believes this approach is unfair and unsustainable. “This is not just about money—it’s about respect and process,” he said.

The protest follows Parliament's passage of the Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Bill, 2025. This bill introduced a GHS1 increase per litre on petroleum products. Government officials say it will raise GHS5.7 billion annually for energy sector debt.

This debt exceeds $3 billion and affects fuel availability for power generation. However, the GPRTU argues that the timing is poor. A recent 15% reduction in transport fares has already hurt drivers' incomes.

“We cannot absorb both a fare cut and a fuel price increase,” Alhaji Abbas stated. He warned that the union may take further action if the government does not engage with them.

The GPRTU is conducting research to assess the levy’s impact on operations. They plan to communicate their next steps after consulting members and authorities.