GPRTU, COPEC Demand Transparency and Timeline for GH¢1 Fuel Levy
The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) are pressing the government for clear timelines and transparency regarding the newly approved GH¢1 fuel levy, which is scheduled to take effect from July 16, 2025.
Both groups have raised concerns over the potential indefinite collection of the levy and are urging authorities to specify how long the levy will be collected and how the revenue will be utilized.
Shift in GPRTU’s Stance
Although initially opposed to the levy, the GPRTU has softened its position after talks with key stakeholders. However, its Industrial Relations Officer, Abass Imoro, stressed the need for a defined timeline, warning that indefinite collection would be unacceptable.
“We also plead with those in authority to come out with a timeline—that we are taking this [fuel levy] for six months, or for one year, or whichever date they think it will sustain us,” Mr. Imoro stated in an interview on Citi Business News.
He added that while diesel prices have gone up slightly and petrol prices have dropped marginally in the latest pricing window, further price hikes could force transport operators to increase fares.
COPEC Insists on Accountability
Duncan Amoah, Executive Secretary of COPEC, echoed similar concerns, insisting the levy must not become another permanent tax hidden in fuel prices indefinitely.
“This new GH¢1 levy should not be treated as one of those old taxes that we have left on the price build-up forever. It should be time-bound and strictly dedicated to improving the energy sector,” Mr. Amoah warned.
He suggested that the levy proceeds should be used for energy sector reforms aimed at achieving full cost recovery and eventual deregulation of the power sector to ease pressure on ordinary Ghanaians, particularly drivers and transport operators.
OMCs Prepare for Implementation
Meanwhile, the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) says its members are ready for the rollout of the levy in the second pricing window of July, but warned of market uncertainty.
Dr. Riverson Oppong, CEO of the Chamber, noted that it remains too early to predict the exact impact of the levy on fuel prices due to fluctuating global oil markets and domestic dynamics.
“It will be too early to say whether fuel prices will go up or down. The same position we took from the day this new levy came into being,” he stated.
Next Steps
As the July 16 implementation date approaches, all eyes are on the government for clarity on the duration, use, and oversight mechanisms for the GH¢1 fuel levy.
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