Sunyani: Some aggrieved commercial drivers in the Sunyani Municipality on Tuesday registered their displeasure on the implementation of the One-litre, GHCS1 fuel levy, threatening to lay down their tools or increase transport fares, if nothing is done about the levy.
According to Ghana News Agency, Parliament approved the Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Bill, 2025, introducing a GHS1 levy on petroleum products to raise additional revenue to address the nation's crippling energy sector debt and ensure stable power supply. The government's proposed fuel levy is expected to take effect on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, after a brief postponement to allow for further consultations.
The levy, aimed at restoring stability in the country's power sector, faced strong opposition from the minority in Parliament, key stakeholders in the transport and oil industries, and many Ghanaians. However, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Sunyani, the drivers described the fuel levy as unacceptable amid the high cost of spare parts and other petroleum products.
A popular driver at the Sunyani Main station, known as Obour, urged the government to reconsider its decision on the levy. Mr. Joseph Yeboah, another driver at the Nana Bosoma Central Market bus terminal, expressed concern about the high cost of lubricants, vehicle tyres, and spare parts, which were already having a toll on their economic activities. He said: 'Income tax, roadworthy and insurance are already draining our purse,' saying the recent reduction in transport fares 'has added up to our economic woes.'
Meanwhile, some of the commercial drivers using the Sunyani-Drobo and Drobo-Sampa highways have expressed concern about recurring cases of armed robbery attacks partly due to the deplorable condition of the roads. They called on the government to improve security presence and always reshape the highways for the safety of travelers and the drivers.
Some of the passengers who used the Nandom-Hamile and Goaso-Sefwi roads noted that any increment in transport fares would affect them, and called on the government to reconsider the implementation of the fuel levy.
