The Concerned Drivers Association is calling on the government to scrap the Sanitation and Pollution Levy on petroleum products.
They argue that although the levy has accrued more than GH¢200 million as of last year by this time, 15 months into its introduction, drivers have seen no improvement in the status of sanitation within the various lorry stations and terminals.
This comes on the heels of the rising cost of living worsening the plight of Ghanaians on a daily basis.
The Concerned Drivers Association in a statement on Wednesday, July 26, called for the abolishment of such taxes.
“The former Minister of Sanitation [Cecilia Dapaah] should explain [to] us where the monies accrued from the sanitation and Pollution Levy is been used for,” they demanded.
According to the Concerned Drivers, “the petroleum and sanitation Levy was created for the President and his minister to amass wealth.”
They expect the levies to be abolished in the mid-year budget review scheduled for Monday, July 29.
“We [are] hoping to see the Levy scrap in the next budget statement by the finance minister, if not we will be forced to increase our fares,” the statement added.
Below is the full statement:
CONCERNED DRIVERS ASSOCIATION OF GHANA – (CDAG)
SCRAP THE SANITATION AND POLLUTION LEVY.
The Concerned Drivers Association is calling on the government to scrap the Sanitation and Pollution Levy on petroleum products.
The 10Gp per litre on petroleum products last year accrued more than GH¢200 million as of last year by this time, 15 months into its introduction.
The former minister of sanitation should explain us where the monies accrued from the sanition and Pollution Levy is been used for.
As an association, we have not witnessed any positive change in the status of sanitation within our various lorry stations and terminals.
It is clear, the petroleum and sanitation Levy was created for the President and his minister to amass wealth.
We hoping to see the Levy scrap in the next budget statement by the finance minister, if not we will be forced to increase our fares.
We also urging the special prosecutor to fearless and absolute in investigating the former sanitation minister despite the President’s interference.
The President, Ken Ofori Atta, Cecelia Dapaah and their likes are suffocating our members and its about time change happens.
Signed
Nana Owiredu, Deputy National Secretary
