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
