Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Emmanuel Tornyi
Published on 2024-02-02 11:57:49
The government has set out an ambitious objective with the implementation of an emissions levy on vehicles. The primary purpose of this tax is to encourage the use of environmentally friendly energy sources for vehicle power. This move aligns with the government’s commitment to climate-positive actions and carbon offset initiatives.
By promoting the use of cleaner energy sources, the government aims to reduce the overall carbon footprint of the transportation sector. This policy is in line with global efforts to combat climate change and mitigate the environmental impact of conventional vehicle emissions.
The implementation of the emissions levy signifies a proactive approach to addressing environmental concerns. It reflects the government’s recognition of the urgent need to transition to sustainable energy solutions, particularly in the transportation industry.
To enforce the emissions levy, all persons required to pay the levy are mandated to register and make payments through the official ghana.gov platform. Furthermore, under section 4(4) of Act 1112, individuals or entities responsible for issuing a road use certificate, including the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) and other testing centers, must verify evidence of levy payment before issuing a certificate.
The introduction of the emissions levy has sparked a public debate, particularly among various stakeholders in the transportation sector. Majid Amidu, the Secretary of the Okada Riders Association, voiced his concerns about the levy in an interview with Accra-based Citi FM. He expressed dissatisfaction with the amount being charged, citing it as excessively high. As a result, the association has decided to petition the government to reconsider the levy.
Amidu emphasized the financial burden imposed on individuals, stating, “It is too much. People are suffering. You did not give us jobs, you did not do anything for us and yet you want us to pay GH75. We will hold another meeting and write a petition to the government and the whole of Ghana that enough is enough.”
In response to the levy, the association plans to mobilize and submit a formal petition to the government, signaling their discontent with the current policy. Amidu emphasized the severity of their stance, stating, “If they do not reduce the levy, we will go out and demonstrate against this government. By Monday, the petition will be ready, and we will send it to the Minister.”
The sentiment expressed by the Okada Riders Association underscores the challenges faced by various stakeholders in adapting to new environmental policies. The government’s objective to promote sustainable energy usage through the emissions levy comes with its share of socio-economic implications that need to be addressed through constructive dialogue and policy adjustments.
In conclusion, the emissions levy represents a pivotal step towards advancing environmental sustainability in the transportation sector. However, the concerns raised by stakeholders highlight the need for ongoing dialogue and collaboration to ensure that environmental policies are equitable and considerate of the socio-economic realities faced by communities. Addressing these concerns will be essential in achieving a balanced and effective transition towards sustainable energy solutions in Ghana’s transportation industry.
Read Original article on Pulse News
