The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has issued a stern warning to the government, threatening a nationwide strike on June 10, 2025, in protest against the newly introduced GHC1.00 levy on petroleum products, popularly known as the “Dumsor Levy.”
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, the Union’s Industrial Public Relations Officer, Abass Ibrahim Imoro, described the levy as unjust and harmful, arguing that it will place an unbearable financial burden on commercial drivers and transport business owners.
According to Imoro, the decision to implement the levy was made without proper consultation with key industry stakeholders and could potentially force many operators out of business due to rising fuel and operational costs.
“We are calling on the government to reverse the levy immediately and engage transport unions and stakeholders in meaningful dialogue,” Imoro stated. “If our concerns are not addressed, we will have no option but to park our vehicles and begin a nationwide strike on June 10. The government must consider the wider impact on the economy.”
The fuel levy stems from the recently passed Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which adds GHC1.00 to the existing tax on petroleum products. The policy aims to raise an estimated GHS5.7 billion to help reduce Ghana’s ballooning energy sector debt, currently estimated at $3.1 billion.
Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson defended the bill, explaining that an additional $1.2 billion will be required in 2025 to procure fuel for thermal power generation and maintain energy stability nationwide.
However, transport operators insist the government must seek alternative funding solutions that do not place further strain on the livelihoods of everyday Ghanaians, especially in the transport sector.
