COPEC, GPRTU push for transparency on GH¢1 fuel levy
The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) are urging the government to provide clear and time-bound guidelines for the implementation and duration of the GH¢1 fuel levy, which is set to take effect on July 16.
Both groups are also demanding full transparency on how the revenue from the levy will be used, warning against turning it into a permanent tax.
Initially opposed to the levy, the GPRTU now says it is willing to cooperate following consultations with key stakeholders.
However, the union is strongly insisting that the levy must not continue indefinitely.
Speaking in an interview, GPRTU’s Industrial Relations Officer, Abass Imoro, emphasized that while the union has softened its stance, there must be a firm end date for the levy.
“We’ve come a long way in discussions, and things have slightly improved. But we want to make it clear, the levy must have a definite timeline. Whether it’s six months or one year, the government must be transparent. We can’t keep paying indefinitely,” Mr Imoro stated.
He also warned that continued fuel price hikes could force transport operators to increase fares, especially as diesel prices have risen slightly in the first pricing window of July.
COPEC is echoing the call for accountability.
Executive Secretary Duncan Amoah stressed that the revenue from the levy should be used specifically to improve Ghana’s energy sector not absorbed into general government spending.
“This GH¢1 levy must not become another permanent tax hidden in the fuel price build-up. It should serve a clear purpose achieving full cost recovery in the energy sector. Once that goal is reached, the levy should be removed,” he said.
He added that reforming the energy sector towards self-sustainability as has been done with petroleum would prevent future burdens on consumers such as trotro and taxi drivers.
Meanwhile, the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies says its members are preparing for the levy’s rollout, which coincides with the second pricing window of July.
However, the Chamber’s CEO, Dr. Riverson Oppong, cautioned that the exact impact of the levy on fuel prices remains uncertain due to global and local market fluctuations.
“It’s too early to predict whether fuel prices will rise or fall. Market conditions remain volatile,” he said.
As the July 16 implementation date approaches, stakeholders are united in calling for a transparent, time-limited, and purpose-driven approach to the new fuel levy.