Commercial transport operators have suspended their planned nationwide strike over the newly introduced GHS1 fuel levy, following assurances from the Ministry of Transport during a high-level meeting on Monday, June 9, 2025.
The operators had initially declared a strike to begin on Tuesday, June 10, in protest of the Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which introduces a GHS1-per-litre charge on petroleum products. Many feared the levy would translate into higher fuel costs at the pumps, leading to increased transportation fares and greater operational expenses for drivers.
However, after discussions with officials from the Transport Ministry, the unions agreed to put the strike on hold while they observe how the levy will be implemented and whether it will indeed impact pump prices.
Speaking on Citi Eyewitness News, Samuel Amoah, Public Relations Officer for the group, confirmed the suspension of the strike and shared the rationale behind the decision.
“We had a meeting today with the Transport Ministry, and as we stated earlier, our issues have to do with the GHS1 cedi levy that is going to be on the petroleum product, which to us is going to be another cost added to what we have already been paying at the pump.
“So when we had the meeting, the explanation given to us was that, looking at how things are going, nothing is going to change at the pump as we go to buy the fuel. What it means is that this GHS1 is not going to change what we buy at the pump, so we said, if that’s the case, we will suspend it.
“Also, the implementation has not been done. So what we have to do is monitor to see if there is any change. If nothing changes in terms of the price, then it means that we do not have a case. But if an increment is made, then we will also make our decision. That is why we have suspended the strike,” he said.
The levy, expected to generate GHS5.7 billion, is aimed at settling debts within the energy sector and funding fuel procurement. But it has drawn strong backlash from transport unions and other industry stakeholders, who worry it could lead to a ripple effect of price hikes and inflation.
With the strike now on hold, transport operators say they will closely monitor the situation and are prepared to take further action if pump prices rise in the coming days.
