Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Emmanuel Tornyi
Published on 2024-02-02 15:00:00
In the opinion of a Ghanaian energy policy analyst, the country has not yet reached a stage where electric cars are common enough to warrant imposing a levy on petrol and diesel vehicles. The analyst believes that the recently announced Emissions Levy Act, 2023 (Act 1112), which imposes a levy on carbon dioxide and equivalent emissions on internal combustion engine vehicles, should be withdrawn. The levy is set to commence on Thursday, February 1, 2024. The announcement of the levy has sparked controversy and backlash from various sections of the Ghanaian population, with many arguing that it is an unnecessary burden on vehicle owners who are already struggling with other financial responsibilities.
The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has stated that all individuals required to pay the Emissions Levy must register and pay the levy through the ghana.gov platform. Furthermore, under section 4(4) of Act 1112, any person required to issue a road use certificate, such as the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) and other testing centres, must demand evidence of payment of the levy before issuing a Road Use Certificate.
The levy amounts for different types of vehicles are as follows:
– Motorcycles and tricycles: GH¢75 per annum
– Motor vehicles, buses, and coaches above 3000 cubic centimeters: GH¢300 per annum
– Cargo trucks and articulated trucks: GH¢300 per annum
While the implementation of the Emissions Levy Act is intended to curb carbon emissions from internal combustion engine vehicles and incentivize the use of electric cars, many Ghanaians believe that the country is not yet ready for such a policy. Electric cars are not yet prevalent in Ghana, and the infrastructure to support them is lacking. As a result, imposing a levy on petrol and diesel vehicles is seen as premature and unjustified.
In addition to the lack of electric car infrastructure, there are concerns about the financial impact of the levy on vehicle owners. The cost of living in Ghana is already high, and the introduction of a new levy will only add to the financial burden on citizens. Furthermore, there are doubts about the effectiveness of the policy in achieving its intended environmental goals. Without a clear plan for investment in electric vehicle infrastructure or incentives for consumers to transition to electric cars, the levy may be viewed as punitive rather than a positive step towards environmental sustainability.
Given these concerns, there have been calls for the Finance Minister to retract the Emissions Levy Act. The controversy surrounding the announcement underscores the need for a comprehensive and inclusive public dialogue on the future of mobility and environmental policy in Ghana. It is essential for policymakers to engage with citizens and stakeholders to develop policies that are both environmentally sound and considerate of the economic realities faced by the population.
In conclusion, the announcement of the Emissions Levy Act in Ghana has sparked a significant public debate. While the policy is intended to address carbon emissions from internal combustion engine vehicles, many Ghanaians believe that the country is not yet ready for such a measure. Concerns about the financial burden on citizens and the lack of infrastructure for electric vehicles highlight the need for a more thoughtful and inclusive approach to environmental and mobility policy. The government should consider retracting the levy and engaging in a transparent and participatory process to develop policies that promote sustainable transportation while also taking into account the economic well-being of the population.
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