Vice President of the policy think tank IMANI-Africa, Bright Simons, has responded to the government's implementation of new taxes in 2024, focusing specifically on the introduction of an environmental tax targeting emissions.

He highlighted that manufacturers will face an $8 tax for each tonne of CO2 emitted during their processes.

In a somewhat critical tone, Simons commented on the Association of Ghana Industries, seemingly questioning their support for the government's proposal for the Import Restrictions Bill.

He wrote on X: “Remember AGI was recently praising the government of Ghana for the import restrictions list? Okay, their time has come. Govt is slapping ~$8 tax for every tonne of CO2 emitted by manufacturers. Cement, fuel, steel, aluminum and all high-energy industries should get ready to be smacked!”

Bright Simons added that the Ghana Revenue Authority will be tasked with measuring the level of CO2 and taxing the companies accordingly.

“Oh, & GRA will be doing the measuring. You will be in your factory like that and they will show up with the measuring device, industry reference charts, & a nice smile pregnant with meaning. Like: Aban nsa, aka wo. Why, you thought it was going to be Al Gore's Climate Trace?” he added.

Bright also added that some large manufacturers like GHACEM and others could be paying up to $24 million in taxes when these new taxes take effect.

He said: "If GHACEM, Ghana's largest cement corp, with ~50% share, continues hitting its 3 million metric tonnes a year target, it will face new taxes of $24 million a year if Ghana strictly enforces the new carbon taxes it is introducing. If the Kumasi plant comes on stream, carbon taxes will total $36 million.AGI dey?"

Minority Leader and Member of Parliament for Ajumako-Enyan-Esiam, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has disclosed a list of purported new taxes that the government plans to introduce in the upcoming year.

In a post shared on X on Sunday, December 3, 2024, he presented sections of a tax bill that the government is purportedly aiming to have parliament approve.

According to Dr. Ato Forson, among the proposed new taxes is a 20% levy on the local spirit, 'akpeteshie.' Additionally, the government is reportedly seeking to implement a GH¢100 annual tax on all petrol and diesel cars.

“The Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government is imposing a 20% tax on “akpeteshie” (they have run out of ideas). Petrol and diesel vehicle owners should also expect to pay a new annual tax of GHS100 per vehicle on all petrol and diesel cars (internal combustion engine vehicles).

“This tax will be imposed on all trotros, aboboyaas, okadas, taxis, commercial buses, trucks, ambulances, construction and heavy-duty vehicles, water tankers, private cars, etc.

"Once your vehicle is powered by petrol or diesel, the government will impose this tax on you. According to the government, this policy is aimed at promoting the use of cleaner and more eco-friendly sources of energy (like electric vehicles),” he wrote.

The documents also show that the government is seeking to introduce a GH¢100 per tonne carbon dioxide emission tax on all companies in the country.