The Coalition of Commercial Transport Operators, representing over 90% of Ghana’s transport service providers, has rejected the government’s proposed GHS 1.00 per litre energy/fuel levy.
In a statement dated July 13, 2025, the Coalition described the move as “a retrogressive and insensitive measure imposed without any meaningful engagement with the sector’s key players.”
The group accused the government of acting in “profound dishonesty,” citing a recent forced 15% fare reduction alongside a public sector wage increase of 34% since 2022.
They warned that if the levy is not suspended, operators will “implement an upward adjustment in transport fares by not less than 30% to cover our operational costs, including realistic wages to our employees, necessary to promote road safety.”
Criticizing the rationale behind the levy, the Coalition called it “a fallacy” and highlighted the failures of previous levies, including the TOR Debt Recovery Levy, ESLA, BOST Margin, and the UPPF.
The statement noted that “a single operator with just 10 vehicles can be forced to pay over GHS 684,000 annually in levies alone,” arguing this exceeds most worker contributions and deepens poverty among Ghanaian citizens.
The Coalition emphasized their autonomy as private businesses. “Let us be unequivocally clear: As private business entities, no law empowers the Ministry of Transport to dictate our fares,” the statement asserted.
“We are committed to adjusting our prices based on market realities to protect our investments and operations from crippling policies, just like any other business concern in Ghana.”
The Coalition in a four key demands outlined that; “The government must immediately and unconditionally suspend the implementation of the new GHS 1.00 per litre levy.
“An adjustment or increase of transport fares by no less than 30% to recover our operational costs, effective July 16 2025.”
“Genuine and transparent dialogue with the legitimate, recognised leadership of all major transport unions and reject any selective, back-door engagements with operators aligned with the governing party.”
“Transparency and public accounting of all revenues generated from existing fuel levies and margins,” the Coalition indicated.
The Coalition reaffirmed its role in defending both the industry and the public.
“We serve the people of Ghana and will take all necessary steps to protect our livelihoods and the welfare of the Ghanaian consumer from these destructive policies.”
