GPRTU Gives Government 48-Hour Ultimatum to Abolish Fuel Taxes or Face Nationwide Transport Fare Increase
The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the government to abolish fuel-related taxes, warning that failure to act will force commercial drivers to implement a nationwide increase in transport fares.
In an interview with Joy News, the Deputy Industrial and Public Relations Officer of the GPRTU, Samuel Amoah, explained that the rising cost of operations has become unbearable for drivers. He cited escalating fuel prices, expensive spare parts, poor road conditions, and increased charges by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) as major pressures.
“We came up with this release and gave the government two days to do something about it. If they fail to do [that]… then we have no option but to organise ourselves to request an increment of transport fares for our members,” Amoah stated.
He acknowledged the government’s position that some economic pressures are beyond immediate control but warned that transport operators are being pushed to the wall and may have no choice but to pass the costs on to passengers.
New Fuel Prices Fuel Concerns
The warning comes shortly after the National Petroleum Authority released new pricing guidelines for the period April 1 to April 15, 2026. Petrol is now pegged at a minimum ex-pump price of GHS 13.30 per litre, while diesel is set at GHS 17.10 per litre.
This represents a significant jump from the previous window (ending March 31), when petrol was GHS 11.57 and diesel was GHS 14.35 per litre.
The surge in fuel prices has been largely attributed to ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which continue to drive volatility in global oil markets.
The GPRTU’s ultimatum adds to the mounting pressure on the government as it grapples with balancing fiscal policies, fuel subsidies or tax relief, and the cost-of-living challenges facing ordinary Ghanaians.
No official response from the government or the Ministry of Finance has been issued yet regarding the union’s demands.
Source: Interview with Samuel Amoah, GPRTU Deputy Industrial and Public Relations Officer, on Joy News
