Transport companies are being urged by the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) to stick to their present rates as they negotiate with the government over its proposed 20% fare hike.
This call comes after a fruitless meeting between the administration and the union.
As the union continues to interact with the government, Abass Moro, the Industrial Relations Officer, gave a positive statement to Citi News, expressing hope for a settlement.
“We made our grievances known, and they also told us their side. Finally, we have to go back and have another meeting. We will use your medium to tell our people [drivers] that where we have got to, we are pleading that they should still maintain what we are taking for now until we come out very clearly. So that nobody will say drivers are taking advantage of them. It’s our business that we are trying to defend,” Abbas Moro stated.
The recently passed Emissions Levy Bill by Parliament imposes an annual fee of GH¢100 on all owners of petrol and diesel cars, starting from January 2024.
The government aims to promote the use of environmentally friendly energy sources for vehicle power through this tax, aligning with its commitment to climate-positive actions and carbon offset initiatives.
In response to these developments, the GPRTU has petitioned the Speaker of Parliament, urging reconsideration of the Emission Levy Bill.