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.
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