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National Organiser of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), Henry Nana Boakye( alias Nana B) has argued that the timing of the imposition of the much-talked-about emissions levy is wrong, calling on the Government to immediately do away with the tax.
The shrewd politician and private legal practitioner explained that Ghana’s current economic status as a developing country does not make the imposition of the levy appropriate given that such levies aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change due to carbon emissions are implemented in developed countries where the average citizen will not be negatively impacted economically since electric vehicles abound.
Even though he conceded that Government needs to raise revenue and he does support revenue measures, he wants the government to consider the sentiments of the citizens and withdraw the levy as soon as practicable.
“Yes, we understand the need for the government to raise revenue, but we also need to balance it with the sentiments of the people. I think this is not the right time. In as much, as a country, we want to stand by the government in times of this difficult era, when we want to raise revenue and make sure that the economy is back and in shape, some of these taxes for me are a bit problematic. That is why I’m saying that the government must withdraw this tax,” he said in an interview with Citi News.
In December last year, the Parliament of Ghana approved the tax policy of Government to collect a levy from vehicle users for the carbon emissions produced by their vehicles known as the Emissions Levy.
The Government justified the Emissions Levy, saying that its collection was “to promote the use of eco-friendly technology and green energy”.
The collection of the levy, which came into force yesterday February 1, 2024, has motorised tricycles and motorcycle users paying GHC 75.00 and as much as GHC 300.00 for users of vehicles with engine capacities of 3,000cc or higher.
Vehicle users, especially members of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union ( GPRTU) and other commercial vehicle organizations have vehemently kicked against the levy, arguing that it will only increase the cost of running their businesses and burden users of their services.
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