Ghana’s largest transport unions are gearing up for a nationwide sit-down strike on Tuesday, June 10, in protest against a newly imposed GH¢1 Energy Sector Levy on petroleum products. The unions say the levy threatens to cripple the commercial transport sector and unfairly burden everyday commuters.
In a strongly worded joint statement, the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and allied commercial driver groups demanded the immediate reversal of the levy, warning of severe economic and social repercussions if their concerns are ignored.
“This levy will not only cripple our business but will also have a ripple effect on the entire economy, especially on low-income earners who depend on public transport daily,” the unions said.
The Energy Sector Levy, recently announced by President John Mahama’s administration, adds GH¢1 to every litre of fuel purchased. While government sources say the move is necessary to plug energy financing gaps, transport operators argue they were not consulted and now face soaring operational costs.
“Imposing taxes without consultation and consideration of its impact is not the way forward,” the statement continued. “We demand genuine and inclusive stakeholder consultation.”
The unions accuse the government of blindsiding stakeholders and ignoring the fragile state of transport-dependent livelihoods. They insist that dialogue — not unilateral taxation — is the way to resolve energy sector challenges.
The unions have set June 10, 2025, as their deadline. If the government fails to meet their demands by then, the nationwide sit-down strike will go ahead, likely disrupting public transportation across Ghana.
Organisers from the Concerned Drivers Association, True Drivers Union, and the GPRTU say they are mobilising members and have already begun local consultations across the regions to ensure full participation.
If carried out, the strike could paralyse urban transport, halt intercity movement, and deepen inflationary pressures, especially in food prices and commuting costs.
Many commuters have expressed sympathy for the unions’ position, saying they too are feeling the squeeze of Ghana’s rising cost of living. A cross-section of traders, students, and market women told local media they hoped the government would reconsider the policy to avoid further economic strain.
Meanwhile, calls are mounting for a national dialogue on tax policy, energy pricing, and sustainable transport funding.
