Tag Archives: GPRTU

News, Topstory

We’ll pass cost of Emission Tax on to passengers – GPRTU

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The Ghana Private Roads and Transport Union (GPRTU) has expressed disappointment at the new vehicle tax aimed at reducing carbon emission in the country.

The biggest transport union in the country believes the government acted in bad faith when it implemented the Emissions Levy Act, 2023 (Act 1112).

Reacting to the news of the implementation on the midday news on TV XYZ, the Public Relations Officer for the GPRTU, Mr Abass Imoro,  told Piesie Okrah a discussion had been held with the Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta who assured them of a feedback before government made any move.

“We had talks with the Finance Minister about the impact of the tax on our businesses and he assured us that we would here from him only to hear that the tax has been implemented. This tax is being charged twice because when you buy fuel, you are charged for emission on every litre fuel,” Imoro said in Akan.

Asked what their next move will be, he stated that “we will come out next about our next move but definitely it is our passengers who will bear the impact of the new tax.”

Imoro bemoaned the prices of vehicle parts and lubricants and wondered why the government has decided to ignore their concerns and introduce new taxes whereas the existing ones are having a toll on their daily sales.

Emissions Levy Act

The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) announced on February 1, 2024, the commencement of the implementation of the Emissions Levy Act, 2023 (Act 1112).

GRA says the Act will impose a levy on carbon dioxide equivalent emissions on internal combustion engine vehicles, stressing that the move aligns with the government’s commitment to addressing greenhouse gas emissions.

Meanwhile, the Executive Director of Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP), Benjamin Boakye believes that the new vehicle tax will not reduce carbon emissions.

According to him, the implementation of the  Act 1112 will not only fail to reduce carbon emission but will also encourage people to avoid paying the tax.

 

Source: Myxyzonline.com

Busines, Topstory

‘Maintain old fares for now’ – GPRTU directs drivers amidst ongoing negotiations

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The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has directed transport operators to continue charging their current fares as they engage the government on its decision to increase fares by 20%.

The  communication was made after a meeting between the union and the Ministry of Transport ended inconclusively.

The Industrial Relations Officer of the union, Abass Imoro, who spoke to some journalists said he was hoping for a resolution as their engagement with the government continues.

“We made our grievances known, and they also told us their side. Finally, we have to go back and have another meeting. We will use your medium to tell our people [drivers] that where we have got to, we are pleading that they should still maintain what we are taking for now until we come out very clearly,” Imoro said.

The GPRTU had wanted to increase transport fares following the high cost vehicle parts and the recently passed Emissions Levy Bill by Parliament which imposes an annual fee of GH¢100 on all owners of petrol and diesel cars.

The government aims to promote the use of environmentally friendly energy sources for vehicle power through this tax, aligning with its commitment to climate-positive actions and carbon offset initiatives.

In response to these developments, the GPRTU has petitioned the Speaker of Parliament, urging reconsideration of the Emission Levy Bill.

 

Source: Myxyzonline.com

Busines, News

GPRTU suspends 60% fare increment

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The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has suspended the decision increase transport fares by 60 per cent.

The biggest transport union had earlier announced its decision to implement a 60% increase in transport fares in 2024, following the introduction of the Emission Levy Bill in January 2024.

But in an interview with Piesie Okrah on TV XYZ midday news, the Public Relations Officer for GPRTU, Abass Imoro, said the increment of the fares had been “put on hold for a while.”

He explained that the actual time to effect the increase in fares had not been determined yet, adding the Union has petitioned the Speaker of Parliament on the Emission Levy Bill.

He said the bill will overburden drivers especially when the prices of spare parts had been increased.

“The Abossey Okai spare parts dealers have increased their prices due to high import charges so the increase in fares will happen but we are holding on a bit due to the petition,” Imoro said in Akan.

He continued, ” if nothing is being done or nothing can be done about these levies, then we will come out with an upward adjustment of lorry fares not less than 60%.”

About the Emissions Levy Bill 

The recently passed Emissions Levy Bill by Parliament imposes an annual fee of 100 cedis on all owners of petrol and diesel cars, starting from January 2024.

The government aims to promote the use of environmentally friendly energy sources for vehicle power through this tax, aligning with its commitment to climate-positive actions and carbon offset initiatives.

In response to these developments, the GPRTU has petitioned the Speaker of Parliament, urging a reconsideration of the Emission Levy Bill.

 

Source: Myxyzonline.com

Busines, News, Topstory

GPRTU to increase fares by 60%

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The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has reaffirmed its decision to implement a 60% increase in transport fares in 2024, coinciding with the commencement of the Emission Levy Bill in January 2024.

The recently passed Emissions Levy Bill by Parliament imposes an annual fee of 100 cedis on all owners of petrol and diesel cars, starting from January 2024.

The government aims to promote the use of environmentally friendly energy sources for vehicle power through this tax, aligning with its commitment to climate-positive actions and carbon offset initiatives.

In response to these developments, the GPRTU has petitioned the Speaker of Parliament, urging a reconsideration of the Emission Levy Bill.

In an interview with Citi News, Abbas Imoro, the Public Relations Officer for GPRTU, expressed concerns about the additional tax burden on the union, citing existing financial challenges.

“We are already paying for the emission, 10 pesewas for a litre. So you can imagine 10 pesewas by 4.5 for a gallon by several gallons you use a day times 26 working days in a month. You can imagine how much one driver pays for it. And we pleaded with parliament that they should have a second look at it.

“But we did indicate that if nothing is being done or nothing can be done about it, then of course we have other problems as well. We will package ourselves and come out with an upward adjustment of lorry fares not less than 60%,” he said.