The government’s GH¢1.00 per litre fuel levy is set to take effect on Wednesday, July 16, following a short delay to allow for additional stakeholder consultations.
Intended to stabilize Ghana’s power sector, the levy has sparked fierce opposition from the minority in Parliament and major players in the transport and oil industries. Critics argue that the tax is both poorly timed and burdensome.
Leading the charge against the levy is the Coalition of Commercial Transport Operators, which represents over 90% of commercial transport providers nationwide.
The Coalition has condemned the policy as “reckless and retrogressive,” claiming it was introduced without proper engagement with key industry stakeholders.
“If the government refuses to listen to us, we will have no option but to pass the cost onto commuters by increasing fares by 30%,” warned Charles Danso, Chairman of the Ghana Committed Drivers Association, in an interview with Citi News.
Danso described the levy as unsustainable, particularly for commercial drivers already grappling with high operational costs. “This is not just a GH¢1 tax. We are already paying a 17.2% tax component on electricity, which includes drivers. Now the government wants to impose another levy on fuel—it’s unbearable,” he said.
Transport unions have called for the immediate suspension of the levy and warned that its implementation could push many operators out of business and place an even greater financial burden on commuters.
As the July 16 rollout date approaches, pressure is mounting on the government to reconsider the policy or risk widespread disruption in the transport sector.
