The Coalition of Transport Union and Association, which represents a substantial segment of Ghana’s transportation sector, has delivered a strong and firm deadline to the government.
They are requesting the removal of several taxes from the petroleum price structure in the following fourteen days; if this is not achieved, they are warning of a significant 20% rise in fares.
In a recent declaration, the coalition emphasized their central goal, which is to relieve what they termed as “unwarranted stress” experienced by both drivers and consumers within the nation.
The burden of several taxes and levies, specifically the Sanitation and Pollution Levy, the Energy Sector Levy, the Energy Sector Recovery Levy, and the Special Petroleum Tax, is at the core of their grievances.
The Sanitation and Pollution Levy, intended to fund environmental initiatives, has come under fire for its contribution to the rising cost of transportation. Additionally, the Energy Sector Levy and Energy Sector Recovery Levy have been heavily criticized for their role in inflating fuel prices, thereby increasing the cost of living.
The Special Petroleum Tax, which was initially introduced as a means to stabilize petroleum prices during market fluctuations, has also been singled out as a significant contributor to the financial strain experienced by drivers and consumers alike.
Leaders of the Coalition emphasized that they are not seeking to disrupt the economy but are compelled to take action due to the growing financial burden on their members and the public. They argue that the removal of these taxes and levies would lead to more reasonable fuel prices, ultimately benefiting both drivers and consumers.