Online Drivers beg DVLA to Scrap New Levy

A group calling itself Online Drivers Union of Ghana, has called on the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) to suspend the collection of an amount of Ghc120.00 being charged for the verification of license and roadworthyness.

According to the group, the DVLA must organize a meeting with all stakeholders to properly explain the action before introducing and implementing a new levy on ride hailing drivers.

They complained that, the new fee being charged on ride hailing drivers is “harsh and illegitimate [per the 1992 constitution of Ghana]”

“We further wish to state that the new regulation introduced and being implemented by DVLA for and on the behalf of the Ministry and MTTD of Ghana Police service, is a scheme that is harsh, discriminatory, burdensome, capricious and in some respect illegitimate against the fundamental rights enshrined in Article 17 (1), (2), (3) and Article 24, (1), (3) of Ghana’s constitution”.

In a press statement released on Wednesday and copied to ghananewsonline.com.gh, the group bemoaned that, ride hailing drivers are burdened with a lot of taxes which is gradually ruining their business.

“It is also instructive to note that, while the DVLA is charging these fees, other taxes including GRA income tax, Ghana Tourism Authority tax, AMA Tax, VIT tax and others are waiting to hit the Ride Hailing Drivers soon in the face. Yet the fares charged by this Ride Hailing Apps are cheap, making the driver work without necessarily earning any decent living,” they stated. 

The drivers have therefore called on authorities to create a suitable platform where issues can be amicably deliberated by stakeholders.

“Give us a platform for collective decision in the interest of all and also that which all can support without any form of agitation and acrimony.”

Source: Jonas Danquah || ghananewsonline.com.gh