The National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s Parliamentary Candidate for the Ketu North Constituency has criticized the Emissions Levy Act, 2023 (Act 1112), labeling it as senseless.
Eric Edem Agbana argued that the tax policy contradicts the fundamental principles of taxation and should not be supported by the Ghanaian public. He asserted that the Akufo-Addo government is lacking effective solutions to address the country’s current economic challenges.
Participating in a panel discussion on Adom TV on Friday, February 2, Mr. Agbana assured Ghanaians that if John Mahama is elected in the December polls, he would abolish the Emissions Levy Act. He stressed the NDC’s opposition to what he deems “senseless” taxes, pledging not to let Ghanaians endure such taxation burdens.
Already, the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has suggested a potential fare increase in response to the implementation of the Emissions Levy Act, 2023 (Act 1112).
Despite the earlier suspension of a proposed 20% fare hike in January, following intervention by the Transport Ministry, the government has now implemented the emissions levy tax. This tax is designed to mitigate carbon emissions from vehicles.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the implementation of the emissions levy tax, the GPRTU has signaled its intention to pass on the levy cost to passengers.
The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has announced the commencement of the implementation of the Emissions Levy Act, 2023 (Act 1112) from Thursday, February 1, 2024. According to them, the Act will impose a levy on carbon dioxide equivalent emissions on internal combustion engine vehicles. The GRA emphasized that the move aligns with the government’s commitment to addressing greenhouse gas emissions.
The imposition of the emissions levy tax by the Akufo-Addo government has raised concerns among various factions in Ghana, with the NDC and GPRTU calling it senseless and planning responses to pass on the costs to passengers in the form of fare hikes. The debates and discussions surrounding this new tax law show the tension between the government’s policies and the concerns of the public.
