The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has suspended its planned nationwide strike following successful talks with government officials over the implementation of a controversial fuel levy.

According to the Union’s Public Relations Officer, Abass Moro Ibrahim, the decision to call off the strike was made after the government agreed to postpone the start of the GH¢1 fuel levy to June 16, 2025.

“We have decided to call off the strike based on discussions we had with representatives,” he stated.

The levy, which adds GH¢1 to the price of every liter of fuel, was introduced under the newly approved Energy Sector Levy Bill. Parliament passed the bill on June 5, 2025, as part of measures to address the country’s ongoing power crisis and support Ghana’s financially troubled energy sector.

The GPRTU had vehemently opposed the move and had threatened to initiate a nationwide strike if the levy was not withdrawn before Tuesday, June 10. The union argued that the additional cost would unfairly burden transport operators and passengers already grappling with rising living expenses.

Despite the public outcry, President John Mahama defended the policy, acknowledging the difficulty of the decision but emphasizing its importance in securing Ghana’s energy future.

In light of the government's decision to delay implementation, the GPRTU has temporarily backed down from its protest plans. However, the union made it clear that this was not the end of the matter.

“We will monitor the situation and give the government until June 16 before taking any further action,” the GPRTU stated.