GPRTU to Implement 60% Transport Fare Increase Amidst Emission Levy

Posted on by Inkoom Esther

The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has reaffirmed its decision to enforce a substantial 60% hike in transport fares, aligning with the introduction of the Emission Levy Bill effective January 2024.

The newly approved Emissions Levy Bill, sanctioned by Parliament, imposes an annual GH¢100 levy on all petrol and diesel vehicle owners starting this year. This legislation aims to incentivize the adoption of eco-friendly energy sources for vehicle fuel, in line with the government’s commitment to climate-conscious actions and carbon reduction initiatives.

In response, the GPRTU has lodged a petition with the Speaker of Parliament, urging a reevaluation of the Emission Levy Bill. Abbas Imoro, the union’s Public Relations Officer, voiced deep concerns over the added financial strain imposed by this levy, citing existing financial challenges within the union.

Imoro highlighted the substantial impact of the levy on drivers, emphasizing, “We are already paying for emissions, 10 pesewas for a liter. So you can imagine 10 pesewas multiplied by 4.5 for a gallon, multiplied by the several gallons you use in a day, times 26 working days in a month. You can imagine how much one driver pays for it.” He further explained the union’s appeal to Parliament to reconsider the levy’s implications.

Expressing the union’s stance, Imoro elucidated, “But we did indicate that if nothing is done or if nothing can be done about it, then, of course, we have other problems as well. We will organize ourselves and come out with an upward adjustment of lorry fares, not less than 60%.”

The GPRTU’s decision to raise transportation charges by sixty percent is a reflection of the union’s reaction to the financial strain that the Emission Levy Bill’s implementation has caused. The issue is still subject to Parliament’s review and any changes made to the law in response to the union’s petition.

South African Missions Encourage Safe Travel Amid Visa-Waiver Agreement

Posted on by Inkoom Esther

South Africa – The South African Missions in Ghana are extending a reassuring hand to potential travelers, urging Ghanaians to embrace the forthcoming visa-waiver agreement with confidence. Deputy South African High Commissioner to Ghana, Thando Dalmba, emphasized that the country is safe for travel, even though it has witnessed xenophobic incidents in the past.

Dalmba highlighted that the South African police are diligently working to prevent the re-occurrence of such events, assuring that the visa-waiver agreement will soon become a reality. He stressed the importance of taking precautionary measures when traveling to any country and advised potential travelers to do the same when visiting South Africa.

While acknowledging that criminals can take advantage of situations in any country, he encouraged Ghanaians to travel in groups for added safety. He noted that the visa-waiver agreement is part of the African Union’s broader agenda to facilitate travel across the continent, making it easier for Africans to explore different regions.

The waiver agreement is open to all Ghanaians with a valid passport that has at least six months until expiry, along with a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Despite past xenophobic incidents and the recent kidnapping of a Ghanaian pastor, Dalmba’s message is clear: South Africa is safe, and with the right precautions, travelers can experience the beauty of the country worry-free.

Detached snakehead identified in meal of airline in-flight.

Posted on by Inkoom Esther

A flight attendant working in Turkey said she was horrified when she found a freshly severed snake head in her food.

According to The Independent, citing aviation blog One Mile at a Time, the shocking incident took place July 21 on a SunExpress flight between Ankara, Turkey, and Düsseldorf, Germany.

The flight attendant aforesaid that she saw the head of a small snake hiding among potatoes and vegetables during lunch.

The reptile’s head can be seen in the center of the food tray in the video posted to Twitter.

 A spokesman for SunExpress told Turkish media that the incident was “completely unacceptable,”.

 The airline and food supplier contracts are currently on hold and an investigation has been launched.

The airline said in an interview with The Independent that maintaining the highest level of quality of service we provide to passengers on our aircraft is “our top priority” and ensures a comfortable and safe flight for both passengers and staff.

However, the seller denied that the snake’s head could have come from anywhere.

According to the report, Sancak’s onboard service states that they did not deliver foreign matter that is claimed to be in food during cooking.

The relatively fresh-looking snake head may have been added later because the food according to the catering company, was cooked at 280 degrees Celsius