GPRTU Accuses Government of Betrayal Over Fuel Levy Hike After Fare Reduction – GhArticles.com
The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) says it feels betrayed by the government’s decision to increase the Energy Sector Levy by GH₵1 shortly after commercial drivers were directed to reduce transport fares by 15%.
This complaint comes in the wake of a threatened nationwide strike by the union if the government fails to reverse the levy hike by June 10, 2025.
Speaking on Citi Eyewitness News on Thursday, June 5, the Industrial Relations Officer of GPRTU, Abass Imoro, expressed deep disappointment over what he described as a lack of transparency and proper consultation by the government during the fare negotiation process.
He noted that had the union been informed about the planned fuel levy increment, their decision to accept a 15% fare reduction would have been reconsidered.
“They knew very well that they had this under their sleeves and we sat with them, we engaged them on our 15% reduction and we finally came to a conclusion… It is very painful that they knew very well they had this under their sleeves that they should have informed us that this is what government intends doing so that we would have known how to go about our reduction. It wouldn’t have been as deep as this 15% that we went to,” he said.
He added that the union, being a key stakeholder in fuel consumption, deserved to be consulted.
“Lo and behold, they came out without any consultation. We are a major player in the fuel industry, the consumption of fuel, we play a lot of role in that. So we think if they had such a thing, they should have engaged us and see if we also have any contributions.”
Imoro further explained that the GH₵1 increase in fuel price essentially wipes out any relief drivers might have had from the fare cuts.
“Looking at the 15% reduction, looking at the GH₵1 on a litre, it can never marry each other,” he stated.
He emphasized that the GPRTU has given the government until June 10 to address the issue or face a potential industrial action.
“We have patiently and respectfully given up to 10th of this month, there could be engagement before then or otherwise,” he warned.