Aggrieved members of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) have submitted a proposal to Parliament, urging a thorough reconsideration of the impending Emission Levy Bill slated for implementation in 2024.
The union advocates for a comprehensive review, emphasizing its concerns and seeking to engage lawmakers in shaping the future trajectory of this crucial legislation.
This is after Parliament gave its approval to a bill mandating an annual GHS100 charge on owners of petrol and diesel vehicles, set to take effect from January 2024. This significant development marks a crucial step in the nation’s approach to emissions management and vehicle-related policies.
Expressing apprehension over an increased tax burden on the transport sector, the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has issued a stern warning, indicating potential fare hikes of no less than 60 per cent. The looming threat underscores the union’s concerns about the financial impact of the additional taxation on transportation services.
Abass Imoro, the Industrial Relations Officer for GPRTU, expressed optimism about a favourable outcome for their proposal in an interview with Citi FM.
“We will officially resume on January 12, 2024, from the Christmas break, so we are hopeful that by the time we resume, we might have received a letter from Parliament.
“In an institution like Parliament, you can’t write to them, and they will overlook it; definitely, we shall hear from them. When we hear from them, then we continue from there.”
“Let’s all hope for the best because the country is for all of us, and we all wish to live happily. If you say pollution, and you say emission somewhere, I think it’s the grammar that has been changed.
“It all means the same thing, so we are creating awareness that we are already paying for something on that,” Mr Imoro said.