Fuel Tax Grievances: Transport Union Threatens 20% Fare Hike

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The Coalition of Transport Union and Association has thrown down the gauntlet, warning of a potential 20 percent surge in transport fares should the government disregard their plea to eliminate specific taxes embedded within the petroleum price build-up. The union is taking a firm stance, urging the government to put an end to the burden of the sanitation and pollution levy, as well as the energy sector levy – measures they deem unwarranted and detrimental to both drivers and consumers alike.

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Government Tax Cuts Demand

In an unyielding display of unity, the association is adamant that the Ghanaian government must take immediate steps to quash the imposition of the sanitation and pollution levy, along with the energy sector levy. These financial impositions have not gone unnoticed, as they continue to heap undue pressure on drivers and other stakeholders within the transportation sector.

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Ultimatum Issued

Speaking exclusively to Citi Business News, David Agboado, the National Public Relations Officer for the Concerned Drivers Association, elucidated the urgency of the situation. He revealed that the association has presented the government with a succinct ultimatum – a mere two-week grace period to address their concerns.

Past Appeals and Present Stand

Agboado delved into history, recounting their initial efforts in June 2021, when they penned a heartfelt appeal to the government. In response, ministerial emissaries were dispatched to confer with the union representatives. However, despite the earnest discussions that ensued, the association maintains that certain levies, including the price stabilization and recovery levy, have outlived their usefulness. Agboado emphasized, “We have issued a statement to that effect, but we are not witnessing any concrete actions. Therefore, we are now left with no recourse but to give the government a fourteen-day window to act; otherwise, we shall have no choice but to impose a substantial 20 percent hike in transportation fares.”

Implications for the Public

As the situation escalates, concerns ripple throughout the nation. Citizens are apprehensive about the potential ripple effects of such a fare increase on their daily expenses. Additionally, this altercation sheds light on the larger discourse surrounding the government’s fiscal policies and their impact on the daily lives of ordinary Ghanaians.

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The clock is ticking, and all eyes are on the government as they weigh their response to this ultimatum. Whether a resolution can be reached within the allotted two weeks remains uncertain, and the nation braces itself for the potential economic repercussions that may follow if the transport union’s threat becomes a reality.

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