The Okada Riders Association of Ghana (ORAG) has appealed to the government for an exemption from the proposed emissions levy, expressing concerns that the impending tax would overburden its members.
The Emissions Levy Bill, set to impose a GH¢100 annual charge on petrol and diesel vehicle owners from January 2024, is currently awaiting parliamentary approval.
ORAG, in a statement issued on Wednesday, highlighted the potential adverse effects of the emissions levy on its members and urged the government to reconsider their inclusion in the tax.
The Association emphasized the financial strain on Okada riders, who lack government income support and already grapple with existing taxes.
The statement read, “This bill if passed, will have an indirect impact on particularly Okada riders who have no income cushioning from the government and are therefore overburdened with other existing nuisance taxes.”
ORAG cautioned against burdening clients with increased fares and called for immediate exclusion from the emissions levy bill.
In outlining their stance, the Association warned of possible actions if their plea goes unheeded. “The association cautions the government and relevant authorities that they will have no other viable alternative other than to redirect the burden of this tax to those who patronize their services if the government refuses to give us a listening ear or, at worse, we form a coalition and demonstrate against the government if it fails to listen to discerning advice,” the statement concluded.
