The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has asked the government not to approve the 10-pesewa fuel levy proposed by the interior Minister.
The Union says they are opposed to the proposal because it could create undue economic pressure on Ghanaians.
GPRTU was reacting to the proposal by the interior minister, Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, on the need to introduce a 10-pesewa levy on every litre of fuel purchased.
The levy is intended to finance the procurement of fire tenders for the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) as part of efforts to address the lack of equipment for their activities.
But the Industrial Relations Officer for the GPRTU, Abass Imoro, indicated that although some may see the 10 pesewas as insignificant, to the drivers, it is highly significant.
Speaking on Nyankonton Mu Nsem, he explained, for example, if a driver uses 10 gallons of fuel in a day, then the driver would be required to pay Ghc45 cedis.
He insisted that the levy being proposed will be a dangerous thing to do despite the good intentions behind it.
‘’We are appealing to the government to desist from introducing this levy. Our expectation is for the government to reduce the cost of fuel and not to introduce a new levy to increase the cost of fuel. We were in this country when the road toll was scrapped, and this government is planning to restore it, and drivers have supported it. But this new levy they are proposing is not something we will support.’’
He warned they will be forced to pass on the cost to passengers, saying, ’We are a business to make profits. The fact that we are managing the lorry fare is not because we have money at our disposal. We understand the economic challenges, and so we are all managing. But if this levy passes, we will also increase fares.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
