The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has reiterated its commitment to implementing a 60% increase in transportation fares in 2024, coinciding with the initiation of the Emission Levy Bill in January of the same year.
The recently approved Emissions Levy Bill, passed by Parliament, imposes a yearly fee of 100 cedis on all owners of petrol and diesel vehicles, starting from January 2024.
This taxation initiative aims to encourage the adoption of environmentally friendly energy sources for vehicle propulsion, aligning with the government’s dedication to climate-friendly measures and carbon offset programs.
In response to these developments, the GPRTU has submitted a petition to the Speaker of Parliament, urging a reconsideration of the Emission Levy Bill. Speaking to Citi News, Abbas Imoro, the Public Relations Officer for GPRTU, expressed apprehensions about the added financial burden on the union.
“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 stated.
