The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has submitted a formal petition to Parliament, urging a reconsideration of the recently passed Emission Levy Bill set to be implemented in 2024.
The bill, which was approved by Parliament, imposes an annual GH¢100 charge on both petrol and diesel car owners, starting from January 2024.
Expressing concerns about the additional tax burden on the already struggling transport sector, the GPRTU has issued a veiled threat to raise fares by at least 60 per cent if the bill is not revisited.
Abass Imoro, the Industrial Relations Officer for GPRTU, conveyed the union’s optimism about a favourable response to their proposal.
“We will officially resume on January 12, 2024, from the Christmas break, so we are hopeful that by the time we resume, we might have received a letter from Parliament,” stated Imoro.
“In an institution like Parliament, you can’t write to them, and they will overlook it; definitely, we shall hear from them. When we hear from them, then we continue from there.”
Abass Imoro highlighted the union’s concerns over the potential economic impact of the levy on both transport operators and commuters.
He emphasized the need for a balanced approach, stating, “Let’s all hope for the best because the country is for all of us, and we all wish to live happily. If you say pollution, and you say emission somewhere, I think it’s the grammar that has been changed. It all means the same thing, so we are creating awareness that we are already paying something on that.”
The GPRTU’s petition adds to the ongoing debate surrounding the Emission Levy Bill, with stakeholders from various sectors expressing stauch reservations.
The potential fare hike hangs over commuters as the transport union waits for a decision from Parliament, prompting worries about the wider economic effects of the imposed tax.