Ghana: Citizens groan as government commences full implementation of carbon emission tax

Ghana has commenced an immediate implementation of the much critisised carbon emission Levy sparking mix reactions among the citizens. The Union transporters have also threatened to raised the cost of transportation to cover for the new expenses incurred due to the new law…

The Ghanaian government has commenced the full implementation of a fuel emissions levy leading to mixed reactions.

With the new law coming into effect, Ghanaians will now pay an annual levy for the carbon emissions produced by their petrol or diesel-powered vehicles.

Ghana introduced the carbon tax after taking a queue from South Africa and Mauritius.

The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has stated that the charge corresponds with the government’s intentions “to promote the use of eco-friendly technology and green energy”.

The new levies range from 75 Ghanaian cedis for motorised tricycles and motorcycles to 300 cedis for vehicles with a capacity of 3,000cc or beyond.

Some citizens however faulted the government for being insensitive to their economic struggles by imposing a new tax on the already-existing ones.

The union representing commercial and public transportation companies has also criticized the charges, arguing that the government failed to consult with them.

In response to the new levies introduced by the government, the union said it plans to raise transportation fare by up to 60% to cover the additional expenses of the tax.