The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has called off its planned strike after the government postponed the implementation of the controversial GHC1 fuel levy to June 16, 2025.
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GPRTU’s Public Relations Officer, Ibrahim Moru Abass, confirmed the decision to 3news on Monday, stating: “We have called off the intended sit-down strike action. We’ve been engaged by the Transport Ministry. We shall communicate our final decision on June 16.”
Background: What Triggered the Strike Threat?
The strike threat followed President John Mahama’s signing of the Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Act on June 5, which introduced a GHC1 levy per litre of fuel. The goal is to raise funds to address Ghana’s energy sector debt and ongoing power crises.
At the signing ceremony held at the Jubilee House, President Mahama defended the move:
“Although painful, I was not appointed to only take soft decisions. This money will be used exactly as intended, not diverted like in the past.”
He emphasized that the revenue, estimated at GHS5.7 billion annually, would be ring-fenced, subject to audits, and kept out of the Consolidated Fund. “This Act, dubbed the ‘D-levy,’ is a temporary measure to fix our energy sector and reduce tariffs,” he added.
GPRTU’s Stance and Next Steps
The GPRTU initially expressed strong opposition to the levy and had planned a nationwide strike if the government did not withdraw it by June 10. However, the postponement appears to have temporarily eased tensions.
“We will monitor the situation and give the government until June 16 before taking any further action,” Mr. Abass said.
President Mahama’s Justification
Speaking at the National Economic Dialogue 2025, President Mahama noted:
Ghana’s energy sector debt exceeds US$3.1 billion, An additional US$1.8 billion is needed for upcoming fuel procurement. “If left unresolved, this threatens national productivity and industrial growth,” he warned.
He promised reforms to improve revenue collection in the power sector alongside the levy.
What’s Next?
GPRTU will reconvene on June 16 to assess whether the government holds its end of the bargain. In the meantime, transport services will continue as normal.
