The President of the Okada Riders Association of Ghana has raised concerns about the emission tax, deeming it a form of double taxation.
Michael Kofi Owusu pointed out that with the existing 40 pesewas per gallon charge every time they purchase fuel, the new tax would essentially double their tax burden.
Speaking on JoyNews on February 1, Mr. Owusu criticized the government for what he perceived as unjust treatment, introducing an additional emission tax. He questioned the fairness of maintaining the existing 10% charge at the pump alongside the newly proposed annual levy.
Mr. Owusu expressed frustration, stating, “Government is not fair to us, the fairness we are talking about is that already there is some ten per cent we pay when we go to the pump, are you going to abolish it or it will still be there and still maintain the annual levy?
“Do we have a daily levy for pollution and annual tax as well? Every day we buy fuel which means we are paying 40 pesewas per gallon. I cannot use one gallon to work the whole day so it means that the government is taking more than GH₵2.00 from me. “
Highlighting the financial impact on Okada riders, he emphasized that they already pay yearly taxes, and the introduction of the emissions tax would further strain their finances.
Mr. Owusu conveyed disappointment with the government’s taxation approach, particularly the imposition of what he perceives as double taxation, compounding the financial challenges faced by Okada riders.