The National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s Parliamentary Candidate for the Ketu North Constituency, Eric Edem Agbana has criticized the introduction of the Emissions Levy Act, 2023 (Act 1112), by the ruling New Patriotic Party administration.
Mr. Agbana in a scathing critique of the Emissions Levy Act, 2023 (Act 1112) asserted that the tax policy not only contradicts fundamental principles of taxation but also reflects President Akufo-Addo and the New Patriotic Party administration’s lack of effective solutions to address Ghana’s current economic challenges.
The former Deputy National Youth Organizer of the opposition National Democratic Congress further assured Ghanaians that, should former President John Dramani Mahama be elected in the December polls, he would prioritize abolishing the contentious Emissions Levy Act.
“The levy imposed by the Akufo-Addo government is senseless. What are they going to use it for? Are they going to use carbon emissions in our environment?
“If you look at the government and their approach to that levy, everything points to the fact that they are simply clueless about solving the economic challenges facing the country. It is senseless, and I know when Mahama is elected in 2024 and sworn in; it will be abolished”
Eric Edem Agbana
The National Democratic Congress Parliamentary candidate strongly emphasized his party’s opposition to what he deemed ineffective taxes that have been introduced by the current administration and pledged that the National Democratic Congress would not let Ghanaians endure such taxation burdens when elected into power in 2024.
According to Mr Agbana, he is very confident that the next National Democratic Congress administration led by former President John Dramani Mahama will change the fortunes of the country when it finally assumes power and takes over the management of the country in 2025.
NPP’s Nana B Calls For Immediate Withdrawal of Emissions Levy,
Meanwhile, Henry Nana Boakye, the National Organiser of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), popularly known as Nana B, has called on the government to swiftly withdraw the controversial Emissions Levy.
The National Organizer for the ruling party argued that such levies are typically imposed on developed nations with the widespread adoption of electric cars to combat climate change, a stage according to him Ghana has not yet reached.
Lawyer Henry Nana Boakye further voiced his concerns about the impact of the levy on Ghanaians, stating that Ghana’s current automotive landscape does not justify the imposition of an emissions levy on petrol and diesel vehicles.
“It must be withdrawn. It’s unnecessary. The Finance Minister must retract it. He must withdraw it immediately”.
Lawyer Henry Nana Boakye
The National Organizer of the governing New Patriotic Party thus urged President Akufo-Addo to direct the Finance Minister to redraw the levy as soon as possible.
Lawyer Henry Nana Baokye further emphasized the need for the government to reconsider the economic implications and public sentiment surrounding the Emissions Levy.
The Emissions Levy Act, which came into effect in 2023, has been a subject of widespread debate and criticism.
While some government officials including the Minister of Finance have argued that it is a necessary step to address environmental concerns and raise revenue for essential government projects, critics, including the Minority in Parliament led by its leader, Honorable Cassiel Ato Forson are of the views that the levy is ill-conceived and fails to align with the principles of fair and effective taxation.
The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has already suggested a potential fare increase in response to the implementation of the Emissions Levy Act, 2023 (Act 1112).
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