The National Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Henry Nana Boakye, also known as Nana B, has urged the government to drop the Emissions Levy immediately.
Emission charges, he believes, are often placed on developed countries that have embraced electric vehicles to combat climate change.
He claimed that if fully implemented, it would exacerbate the country’s already tough economic situation, emphasising that the timing is inappropriate.
“Yes, we recognise the government’s need to raise income, but we must also balance it with public emotion. I don’t think this is the correct time.
As much as we want to support the government at this difficult time when we need to raise revenue and get the economy back on track, some of these levies are challenging for me. That is why I argue that the government should withdraw this tax.”
Meanwhile, the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has served notice that it will increase fares by more than 20% considering several factors including the emissions levy.
Abass Imoro, industrial relations officer for GPRTU, stated in an interview with Kwabena Agyapong on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5Fm that the emission levy will be factored into the new fares.
Originally, they had planned to increase fares by 20%.
However, the new levy coupled with other factors will push the new fares to be increased by more than 20%.
The Emissions Levy is in line with the government’s efforts aimed at tackling greenhouse gas emissions to promote the use of eco-friendly technology and green energy.
Motorcycles and tricycles are required to pay GH₵75 per annum, while motor vehicles, buses, and coaches up to 3000 cubic centimetres are required to pay GH₵150 per annum.
Motor vehicles, buses, and coaches above 3000 cubic centimetres, cargo trucks, and articulated trucks are required to pay GH₵300 per annum.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
