We plead for a second thought – GPRTU rejects new tax proposal

Just as Parliament abolished the E-Levy, betting tax and other nuisance levies, the Interior and Sanitation Ministers are pushing for new taxes to support their respective ministries.

However, even before formal discussions begin, the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has strongly opposed the proposals, warning that they could increase the financial burden on businesses and ordinary Ghanaians.

The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, has suggested a Sanitation Fund and Levy to address Ghana’s growing waste management crisis. According to him, a dedicated tax will provide the necessary resources to improve sanitation across the country.

Interior Minister and MP for Asawase, Muntaka Mubarak, has proposed a fuel levy to equip and improve the Ghana National Fire Service. This follows criticism over the government’s response to the recent Adum fire disaster in Kumasi.

“All of us also need to make a contribution, and the way to do that, in my view, is by dedicating just 10 pesewas per litre of fuel solely for fire,” he stated.

He stressed the urgent need for investment in firefighting equipment, revealing that the newest fire tenders in service were procured in 2014 over a decade ago.

“When I went to the Ministry for Interior I realised that  the newest tender that we have was procured in 2014, that is more than 10years,” he said.

The Industrial relations officer for the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), Abass Imoro has strongly opposed the proposed tax on fuel, arguing that it will add more costs to transport operators and the general public.

“We are even expecting a further reduction in fuel prices which will put us in a better position, but now they want to add 10 pesewas or more per litre? I don’t think any professional driver will welcome that,” said Abass Imoro, “We plead for a second thought on this.”

Source: myjoyonline.com