Transport companies are being urged by the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) to stick to their present rates as they negotiate with the government over its proposed 20% fare increase.
This call comes after a fruitless meeting between the government and the union.
As the union continues to interact with the government, Abass Moro, the Industrial Relations Officer, gave a positive statement to Citi News, expressing hope for a settlement.
“We made our grievances known, and they also told us their side. Finally, we have to go back and have another meeting. We will use your medium to tell our people [drivers] that where we have got to, we are pleading that they should still maintain what we are taking for now until we come out very clearly. So that nobody will say drivers are taking advantage of them. It’s our business that we are trying to defend,” Abbas Moro stated.
Beginning in January 2024, all owners of gasoline and diesel vehicles will be required to pay an annual levy of GH¢100 under the newly passed Emissions Levy Bill by Parliament.
Through this tax, the government hopes to encourage the use of ecologically favorable energy sources for vehicle power, in line with its commitment to carbon offset programs and climate-positive efforts.
The GPRTU has petitioned the Speaker of Parliament to rethink the Emission Levy Bill in light of these developments.
