The plan to increase transportation costs by 60% has been put on hold by the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU).

After the Emission Levy Bill was introduced in January 2024, the largest transport union had already declared that it would raise transportation fares by 60% in 2024.

GPRTU Public Relations Officer Abass Imoro stated that the fee increase had been “put on hold for a while” in an interview with Piesie Okrah.

He added that the Union had petitioned the Speaker of Parliament on the Emission Levy Bill and that the precise timing of the fare hike had not yet been decided.

He claimed that the charge will put too much strain on drivers, particularly in light of the recent rise in spare part costs.

“The Abossey Okai spare parts dealers have increased their prices due to high import charges so the increase in fares will happen but we are holding on a bit due to the petition,” Imoro said in Akan.

He continued, ” if nothing is being done or nothing can be done about these levies, then we will come out with an upward adjustment of lorry fares not less than 60%.”

About the Emissions Levy Bill

All owners of gasoline and diesel vehicles will be required to pay an annual levy of 100 cedis beginning in January 2024, according to the recently passed Emissions Levy Bill by Parliament.

Through this tax, the government hopes to encourage the use of ecologically favorable energy sources for vehicle power, in line with its commitment to carbon offset programs and climate-positive efforts.