The transport sector is on the brink of a nationwide shutdown as the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) declares its intent to strike on Tuesd
The transport sector is on the brink of a nationwide shutdown as the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) declares its intent to strike on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, over the government’s imposition of GHC1.00 tax on a litre of petroleum products—widely referred to by the public as the “Dumsor Levy.”
The GPRTU, which represents the interests of thousands of commercial drivers and transport business owners, says the levy is a unilateral imposition by the administration of President John Dramani Mahama, and will only compound the economic hardships already facing the sector.
Background
Ghana’s long-standing energy sector challenges—popularly branded as dumsor (frequent power outages)—have reemerged under Mahama’s second tenure, prompting Parliament to approve the Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Bill, 2025.
The bill increases the levy on petroleum products by GHC1.00 and is expected to generate GHS5.7 billion to help offset a ballooning $3.1 billion debt in the energy sector.
Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has defended the policy, noting that an additional $1.2 billion will also be required to procure fuel for thermal power generation to stabilize electricity supply in 2025.
According to the government, the fuel levy is necessary to sustain energy generation and prevent another wave of blackouts.
But transport operators believe the burden is being unfairly shifted onto them and ordinary Ghanaians.
Lack of Consultation
At a press briefing in Accra on June 5, the GPRTU’s Industrial Public Relations Officer, Abass Ibrahim Imoro, expressed deep frustration with what he described as the government’s disregard for inclusive policymaking.
“The decision to introduce this fuel levy was made without any meaningful consultation with the key players in the transport sector,” Imoro said.
“This shows a complete lack of respect for our members and the crucial role we play in keeping Ghana’s economy moving.”
He warned that the levy will significantly raise the cost of operations for commercial drivers, who are already grappling with rising spare parts prices, insurance premiums, and fluctuating fuel costs. He noted that many transport operators are on the verge of collapse and that the added tax could push them out of business entirely.
Strike Looms
Unless the government reverses the policy immediately, the GPRTU says it will be left with no choice but to halt all commercial transport services across the country starting June 10.
“We urge the government to consider the devastating impact this tax will have on the transport sector and the economy at large,” Imoro stated.
“If our concerns are not addressed, we will be forced to park our vehicles nationwide as a form of protest.”
Such an action could paralyze movement across the country, affecting commuters, market logistics, students, and other essential services that depend heavily on commercial road transport.
Call for Dialogue
The GPRTU is not simply calling for a reversal but also demanding dialogue.
The Union is urging the government to return to the negotiation table and consult stakeholders—including transport unions, civil society groups, and consumer advocates—on finding sustainable solutions to Ghana’s energy and fiscal crises.
“This levy is being framed as a fix for the energy sector, but in reality, it’s a short-term measure with long-term consequences for the working class,” said Imoro.
Public reaction has been swift and largely critical.
Many Ghanaians have taken to social media to voice their opposition to the tax, with some accusing the Mahama administration of repeating past mistakes that contributed to the 2012–2016 energy crisis.
While government officials insist the levy is necessary for national stability, critics argue that poor financial management and political inertia have made citizens scapegoats for structural inefficiencies.
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