The NDC-Proforum demands Withdrawal of the Emission Tax
“This is why the NDC-Proforum wishes to join Civil Society Organizations, academicians and the rest of Ghana to resist the imposition of the emission tax.
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The NDC-Professionals Forum (Proforum) says it has observed with horror the imposition of emission tax on the already impoverished Ghanaians. The Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government now requires Ghanaians to pay an annual levy of between Ghc75 and Ghc300 for the carbon produced by their petrol and diesel-powered vehicles.
Ghanaians are overburdened with over 40 taxes including fuel and road-use taxes, excise duty for owning a car or motor bike, tax on motor vehicle benefits, pollution tax, special petroleum tax and luxury vehicle tax as well, among others.
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The Government has insisted that the levy “aligns with its plans to promote the use of eco-friendly technology and green energy”. In this era of global warming and climate change, it is in order for every responsible government to promote the use of eco-friendly technologies to mitigate the situation.
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However, the Proforum believes that in reality, a tax of this nature should be imposed where there are suitable alternatives like electric vehicles to reduce emission as it is in other countries.
“In such countries, it would be reasonable for government to tax people who fail to use the alternatives. But such alternatives are not available in Ghana yet. So, why should such a tax be imposed?
“This is why the NDC-Proforum wishes to join Civil Society Organizations, academicians and the rest of Ghana to resist the imposition of the emission tax.
“The solution to the critical economic situation in Ghana brought about by the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia reckless management of the economy does not lie in the imposition of more taxes and levies on impoverished citizens and overburdened industries but on the prudent use of resources and better management of the economy,” a statement from the Forum noted.
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It added that “With all the resources available to the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government within eight years in power and the goodwill it enjoys among the comity of nations, Ghana should be flying higher among its piers on the continent but not on its knees and at the mercy of international financial institutions.”
Contact:
George Yankah
Deputy Director
Public Affairs and Protocol
0242161111
6thFebruary, 2024
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