Commercial drivers have renewed pressure on government to approve new transport fares. The demand comes as government imposes yet another tax in the form of Emissions Levy which took effect from today, February 1st, 2024.
A statement issued by the Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana and Transport Operators on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, noted that, the high cost of commercial transport business lately, is threatening their survival.
The statement, jointly signed by National Chairman, Paa Willie, David Agboado Public Relations Officer and Nana Owiredu, Deputy Secretary of the Association further noted with concern the astronomical increases in the prices of spare parts and vehicles, which they also blamed on what they described as killer import duties.
According to the Association, most of these prices have shot up by over 100 percent since 2021 and still climbing, a development that will eventually collapse their businesses if no immediate mitigation measures are taken.
For example a Toyota Hiace which sold on an average price of GHC 100,000.00 in 2021/2022 is now priced at GHC 220,000.00, representing an increase of 120%. Similarly, a Sprinter bus in the year 2021 to 2022 was sold at GHC 110,000.00 but now selling at an average price of GHC 240,000.00.
Again, a Toyota Hiace engine which was selling at GHC 12,000.00 around 2021 and 2022 but is now pegged at GHC 35,000.00.
Per the latest charges, motorists who fail to pay Emission Tax will not have the road worthy certificates renewed.
The bill passed by Parliament through the Emissions Levy Act, 2023 (Act 1112) imposes an annual charge on all owners of petrol and diesel cars.
Motorcycles and tricycles are required to pay GH₵75 per annum, while motor vehicles, buses, and coaches up to 3000 cc are required to pay GH₵150 per annum.
Vehicles, buses, and coaches above 3000 cc, cargo trucks, and articulated trucks are required to pay GH₵300 per annum.
FIND FULL STATEMENT BELOW
Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana/Transport Operators
31/01/24
Press Statement for Immediate Release
PRICES OF VEHICLES AND SPARE PARTS AT ABBOSEY OKAI
We have noted with concern a reaction to an earlier announcement made by we the transport operators concerning transport fare increment by spare parts dealers at Abbosey-OKAI.
While, we do not desire to engage our partners who deal in spare parts in any needless banter we also consider it prudent to lay the facts bare for the benefit of all Ghanaians.
Among other factors, we the transport operators had stated among other reasons that prices of spare parts formed the basis for the increment in transport fares.
Shortly after our announcement, the spare parts dealers stated that they did not wish to be mentioned to be part of the reasons for our increment and even mentioned that prices of vehicles and spare parts had not increased by a margin that warranted our request.
In view of this we have compiled the current market prices of vehicles and key components compared to 2021 and 2022.
Below are the prices of some vehicles and spare parts….
Toyota hiace price around 2021 to 2022 was hovering around GHC 100,000.00 but it’s now sold at GHC 220,000.00
Sprinter bus around 2021 to 2022 was sold at GHC 110,000.00 but it is now sold at GHC 240,000.00.
Toyota hiace engine around 2021 and 2022 was selling at GHC 12,000.00 but is now pegged at GHC 35,000.00.
Rexton engine which was sold at GHC 5,000.00 between 2021 and 2022 is now selling at GHC 15,000.00
Scion engine was GHC 3,500 but it now sold at GHC 13,000.00.
Toyota Corolla tyres home used was around GHC 70.00 and GHC 120.00 respectively but it’s now sold at GHC 300.00
Sprinter bus home used tyres was selling around GHC 300.00 but it’s now sold at GHC 600.00
Sprinter bus brand new tyres was sold around GHC 1,100.00 but it now GHC 2,300.00
Sprinter back axle was around GHC 1,500.00 but it now GHC 5,500.00
Sprinter bus car battery 19 to 20 plate was GHC 400.00 but it’s now GHC 1,100.00
Vvip buses tyres china type was sold at 2,500gh but it now 3,500gh.
Vvip tyres michellen was around GHC 3,500.00 but it’s now GHC 5,500.00
Between 2021 and 2022 price of Toyota vitz was GHC 30,000.00 current price GHC 75,000.00
Car battery 13 plate in 2021 to 2022 was sold around GHC 250.00 but it is currently priced at GHC 700.00.
Toyota vitz head light around 2021 to 2022 was sold around GHC 500.00 but currently it is priced price at GHC 1,000.00
Front shocks absorbers Toyota in 2021 to 2022 was GHC 600.00 but it now GHC 1, 000.00
Toyota Corolla’s hub was selling at GHC 350.00 but today it is sold at GHC 1,400.00.
It is against this background that we the transport operators are pushing for an upward adjustment in transport fares and if the spare parts dealers who should be showing solidarity are rather against this move then we find it baffling.
But we are urging them to remain silent on our matters rather than adding salt to injury. Thank You.
……..END……..
Source:myxyzonline
