The Deputy Industrial and Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), Samuel Amoah, has told the John Mahama-led NDC government to abolish fuel taxes within 48 hours or face fare hikes.
Speaking in an interview with Joy News, the GPRTU stressed that the growing cost of operations is becoming unbearable for commercial drivers.
The GPRTU cited rising fuel prices, expensive spare parts, deteriorating road conditions and an increase in charges by the DVLA.
Samuel Amoah stated, “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.
“What the government and the president are saying is, it is something they can’t control right now, but the transport operators may be forced to,” Samuel Amoah explained.
The GPRTU demands follow the National Petroleum Authority’s new pricing guidelines, which set minimum ex-pump prices for the period April 1 to April 15 at GHS 13.30 per litre for petrol and GHS 17.10 per litre for diesel, a significant increase compared to March 31, when petrol and diesel were pegged at GHS 11.57 and GHS 14.35 per litre.
Earlier, Commercial transport operators, commonly known as Trotro Operators, have issued a 2-day ultimatum demanding that the government stabilise fuel prices.
The Trotro Operators have issued a two-day ultimatum to the government to stabilise fuel prices or risk 20% increment in fares.
In a press release dated March 29, 2026, the Commercial transport operators stated, “The transport sector is the backbone of Ghana’s economy, and any instability in fuel supply or pricing has far-reaching consequences for the entire nation,” the statement said, adding that their patience is “wearing thin.”
“This increase will not only affect our members but also the Ghanaian public, who are already struggling to make ends meet,” the statement noted.
Reports suggest the statement was jointly signed by “Samuel Amoah of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) under the Trades Union Congress (TUC); Asonaba Nana Wiredu, National Chairman of the Commercial Transport Operators of Ghana; Paa Willie, National Chairman of the Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana; David Agboado, PRO of the Concerned Drivers Association; and Yaw Barimah, PRO of the True Drivers Union”.
Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama has assured that the government is prepared to shield Ghanaians from rising fuel costs.
Mahama disclosed that his government will roll out targeted measures to protect consumers if rising global oil prices begin to significantly impact domestic fuel costs.
Speaking at a Presidential Dialogue with Civil Society Organisations, the President stated, “Things were sailing quite smoothly, and indeed, we’re beginning to enjoy some of the lowest fuel prices in a long time. The push factor in the oil price build-up is coming from the price of crude oil and finished products”.
“If this continues, then we will have to take some firm decisions”.
Mahama explained, “Some of the options available to us include adjusting margins to ease the burden on consumers and also reviewing the development levy to provide relief”.
“Fuel drives the transport sector, and transport is a major contributor to inflation. When fuel prices rise, the cost of moving goods, especially food, also increases, affecting the overall cost of living,” he said.
Mahama further disclosed that Ghana is considering a fuel supply deal with Nigeria’s Dangote Refinery.
He added, “My hope is that sooner rather than later, this war will end and Ghanaians will see more stable petroleum prices. For now, the government remains concerned because fuel prices affect the transport sector which then drives up inflation”.
“Even though prices have increased, we have the opportunity to compare prices on the international market. If it means entering into an agreement with Dangote Refinery to bring finished products from Nigeria to Ghana, I think we should be able to do that,” he said.