The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has voiced strong dissatisfaction with the government's introduction of a GHS1 levy on petroleum products, accusing authorities of sidelining critical stakeholders in the policy-making process.

Speaking on Accra-based Citi TV on Wednesday, June 4, the Union’s Industrial Relations Officer, Alhaji Abass Imoro, criticised the decision, especially in light of the recent 15 per cent reduction in transport fares, which the union implemented to reflect the appreciating cedi and fuel price reductions.

“We are not clear with their explanation, because if you are going to take 1 cedi on a litre, that is not small money.

"We just reduced our lorry fares with some understanding, thinking the appreciation of the cedi and fuel reductions would bring relief, only to wake up the next day to hear of another tax,” he said.

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The new levy follows Parliament’s passage of the Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Bill, 2025, on Tuesday, June 3, which imposes a GH₵1 increase in the petroleum levy.

Government officials have said that the measure is expected to generate around GH₵5.7 billion annually to address the over $3 billion energy sector debt and help secure fuel for power generation.

Despite these justifications, the GPRTU argued that the move lacks transparency and adequate consultation.

The Union insisted that the levy directly impacts commercial drivers and should have involved dialogue with transport unions before implementation.

“We are yet to get a clear explanation on that. This affects professional drivers more, and we believe we should have been part of the conversation. One cedi per litre means a lot.

"Whenever fuel prices are reduced, we get breathing space. This is something we cannot take lightly,” Mr Imoro added.

The GPRTU added that it is currently conducting its own background assessment on how the new levy will affect its operations and will determine its next steps based on those findings.