The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has firmly re-echoed its decision to enforce a 60% increment in transportation fares in 2024, following the initiation of the Emission Levy Bill scheduled to come into effect in January 2024.
The recently ratified Emissions Levy Bill, sanctioned by Parliament, mandates an annual levy of 100 cedis on all owners of petrol and diesel vehicles, 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 outcome, the GPRTU has formally appealed to the Speaker of Parliament, seeking a reconsideration of the Emission Levy Bill.
Abbas Imoro, the Public Relations Officer for GPRTU, expressed concern regarding the added financial burden imposed on the union, citing existing economic challenges in an interview with reporters.
“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.
