The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) is considering a fare increase in response to the implementation of the Emissions Levy Act, 2023 (Act 1112).
Despite the earlier suspension of a 20 percent fare hike in January, the government proceeded with the emissions levy tax aimed at reducing carbon emissions from vehicles.
In dissatisfaction with the emissions levy tax, the GPRTU plans to transfer the levy cost to passengers.
The spokesperson for GPRTU, Abass Imoro, revealed that despite engaging in discussions with the Transport and Finance Ministries, the tax was still implemented, compounding their existing challenges.
Speaking to JoyNews, Imoro explained, “Fortunately for us, the government took that meeting seriously. We met with the Finance Minister and the Transport Minister as well. This particular issue was put to the Finance Minister who accepted to do something about it.
“So we said we are already paying 10% on the little fuel we buy in the name of sanitation and pollution. Just unfortunately, the same pollution name has been changed and slapped us with the same issue again.
“We explained to him and he said if that is the issue, then, of course, he will look at what to do about it. So if nothing has been done and today the implementation has taken place, we won’t say much than to add it to our new fares we are working on,” Mr Moro said.
Simultaneously, the Okada Riders Association of Ghana expressed their intent to petition the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) against what they view as an unfair imposition of an emission levy.
Unaware of the levy, the association emphasized the necessity for government engagement to gauge its favorability.
They stressed the substantial impact of the tax on their finances and called for the government to address their concerns.
“I’m paying my insurance and that is not the only amount a person [Okada rider] who is using a motorbike is going to be paying every year.
“He’s also going to pay his insurance, pay his roadworks and other things. When they call us, we will be able to tell them that no, this is too much for them. Let’s do it this way,” the association said.