Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has restated its commitment to implementing a 60% hike in transport fares starting January 2024, fter the approval of the Emissions Levy Bill in Parliament last year.

The Union contends that the Levy, designed to impose a yearly fee of GHS100 on owners of petrol and diesel cars, will impose further financial burdens on the operations of their members.

Abbas Imoro, the Public Relations Officer of GPRTU, conveyed that transport operators were already grappling with financial difficulties in the country. Consequently, he voiced apprehension about the imposition of an additional tax measure.

“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,” he said.

“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%,” Imoro added.

As part of efforts to promote the use of environmentally friendly energy sources for vehicles in the country, government is introducing the Emissions Levy to address climate action and help achieve net zero targets.

The GPRTU have however opposed the move and petitioned the Speaker of Parliament to reconsider the passage of the Emissions Levy Bill by government.