Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Keta, Emmanuel Gemegah, has defended the necessity of the newly introduced emissions levy on vehicles, emphasizing its role in national development.
The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) announced the implementation of the Emissions Levy Act, 2023 (Act 1112), commencing on February 01, 2024, sparking debates and concerns among various sections of the Ghanaian populace.
In an exclusive interview with the Ghana News Agency on Thursday, Gemegah justified the collection of the levy, noting that it was passed in Parliament with the support of lawmakers from both political parties.
“I am calling on Mr. Kwame Gakpey, Mr Richard Sefe and Madam Dzifa Gomashie to come down to educate our people on this new levy on how it came about, let us not make it look as if it was an imposition by the President or the Finance Minister on Ghanaians,” Mr Gemegah said.
He highlighted the international context, referring to the Paris Agreement adopted on December 12, 2015, which emphasizes the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the promotion of eco-friendly technology and green energy.
The Keta MCE specifically called on Parliamentarians such as Mr. Kwame Gakpey, Mr. Richard Sefe, and Madam Dzifa Gomashie to engage in public education about the emissions levy. He emphasized the need to clarify that it was not an imposition by the President or the Finance Minister but a collective decision supported by parliamentary approval.
According to the provisions of the act, motorcycles and tricycles will pay GHC75 per annum, motor vehicles, buses, and coaches up to 3000 cubic centimeters will be charged GHC150 per annum, while those above 3000 cubic centimeters will pay GHC300 per annum. Cargo trucks and articulated trucks are also required to pay GHC300 annually.
Gemegah appealed to citizens to embrace the payment of the levy, emphasizing the role of taxes in national development. He stressed that taxes contribute to the government’s ability to invest in essential services such as education, road construction, and water provision.
“Taxes develop a nation; we cannot expect the government to build our schools, construct roads, and provide us water if we do not pay taxes and levies. So, as citizens, let us embrace the culture of paying taxes to help change our communities,” urged Mr. Gemegah.