The leadership of the Okada Riders Association is dissatisfied with the implementation of the Emissions Levy which mandates motor riders to pay GHC75 annually to the government.
The primary goal of introducing the emissions levy in accordance with Emissions Levy Act, 2023 (Act 1112), is to encourage the adoption of environmentally friendly technology and green energy. This is expected to contribute significantly to improved environmental management, as well as the control of air and water pollution.
But according to Secretary of the Okada Riders Association, Majid Amidu, it is insensitive on the part of the government to impose such a tax and an expensive one at that.
The Association is set to petition the Ministry of Transport next Monday to consider reducing the emissions levy.
“It is too much. People are suffering. You did not give us jobs, you did not do anything for us and yet you want us to pay GH75. We will hold another meeting and write a petition to the government and the whole of Ghana that enough is enough.”
“If they do not reduce the levy, we will go out and demonstrate against this government. By Monday the petition will be ready and we will send it to the Minister,” he added.
Also, motor vehicles, buses, and coaches up to 3000 cubic centimetres are required to pay GH₵150 per annum whereas motor vehicles, buses, and coaches above 3000 cubic centimetres, cargo trucks, and articulated trucks are required to pay GH₵300 per annum.