GPRTU To Negotiate Fare Increment After Emissions Tax
The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) is planning on going to the negotiation table next week with the Ministry of Transport for fare increment.
It follows the implementation of the Emissions Levy Act, 2023 (Act 1112), in line with the government’s efforts to address greenhouse gas emissions, promoting the adoption of eco-friendly technology and green energy.
The levy, which requires motorcycle and tricycle owners to pay GH₵75 per annum, and motor vehicles, buses, and coaches up to 3000 cubic centimetres to pay GH₵150 annually, took effect on February 1, 2024.
In reaction to this, the Industrial Relations Officer of GPRTU, Abass Imoro said the cost will have to be “shared with the general public who are our clients”.
“We are into business and nobody owning a vehicle for commercial purposes and want to work and go back home empty-handed…If this has added to our already existing burden, why not{increase fares}”
He said the leadership of the Union will meet the Transport Minister, Hon Kwaku Ofori Asiamah over new fares.
He also revealed his outfit was left out of government discussions and deliberations leading up to the passage of the tax policy with their numerous petitions to the government to rescind trashed.
“We were not part of government discussion on this. Before they came out to reveal, we spotted it in the budget presented to Parliament and we raised an issue to the effect that if it’s about emission, we are already paying for it. But it looks like our suggestion was not listened to.
“We petitioned the Parliament but we haven’t had a response till now. We had the privilege of having a meeting with the Transport Minister and Finance Minister. We presented the same issue to the Finance Minister…The Finance Minister promised to consider it,” he said in an interview on Eyewitness News monitored by opemsuo.com.
According to him, the next time they heard, the levy had taken effect.
In mid-January, the GPRTU announced a 20% hike in transport fares over high taxes on spare parts and the 10% increment in insurance premiums; however, the Transport Ministry halted the move noting it had not been approved.
