In December 2023, the GPRTU presented a proposal to Parliament requesting a reconsideration of the upcoming levy. The bill, which was approved by Parliament, imposes an annual GH₵100 charge on petrol and diesel vehicles in an effort to promote environmentally friendly energy sources for cars.
Speaking in an interview on Accra-based Citi FM on Wednesday, GPRTU Public Relations Officer Abbas Imoro reacted to the looming levy. He stated that with the union already facing financial struggles, the extra tax burden would leave them no choice but to raise fares.
“If the government does not listen to our concerns and the levy goes ahead unchanged, we will have no option but to increase fares by 60% ” Imoro said.
The GPRTU had voiced worries that the Emission Levy would significantly add to costs in an industry already dealing with high fuel prices and maintenance charges. Imoro emphasized the need for the government to reconsider the union’s proposal to avoid the imminent fare hikes.
With the levy set to come into effect next month, transport operators across Ghana are anxiously waiting to see if it will be amended in time to prevent the threatened increases.
“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.
