Commercial Drivers Declare 24-Hour Sit-Down Protest Against Unjust Emissions Levy

In a bold move against what they perceive as government exploitation, commercial drivers under the banner of a prominent union have announced a 24-hour sit-down demonstration. The directive, as stated by the union’s leadership, is not a discretionary decision but a concerted effort to address what they see as abusive practices in the taxation of drivers and vehicle owners.

Background:

The union points to a particular issue in the 2021 budget, specifically the amended Energy Sector Levies Act 1064 Act 2021, section 5B. In this section, a sanitation and pollution levy were introduced to collect taxes at pump stations, intended to combat pollution of all kinds, including air pollution. Despite the substantial revenue generated from this levy, the union contends that its purpose has yet to be realized.

The Grievance:

The latest bone of contention for the union is the introduction of an Emissions Levy, which directly aligns with the air pollution aspect of the sanitation and pollution levy. This new levy is to be paid annually by vehicle owners to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA). The union sees this move as unwarranted, insensitive, and provocative, considering the existing levy designed for similar purposes.

Accusations Against the Government:

The union accuses the government of consistent provocation, especially towards drivers and vehicle owners, alleging a tendency to bulldoze through decisions even when they may be legally questionable. The drivers express their dissatisfaction with what they see as a disregard for the concerns of Ghanaians, particularly those in the transportation sector.

Union’s Response:

In response to what they label as an “obnoxious levy,” the union has decided to embark on a 24-hour sit-down demonstration. This action serves as a direct message to the government, demanding the immediate withdrawal of the Emissions Levy. The union argues that the government’s actions are inconsistent with its promises, citing the unfulfilled commitment to cancel the Energy Sector Levies Act (ESLA) made while in opposition.

Call for Solidarity:

The union does not stand alone in its protest and calls on all stakeholders, particularly other driver unions, to support their quest to resist what they describe as “wickedness and extortion” by the government. The union leaders encourage a united front against what they perceive as unfair practices under the leadership of Nana Addo – Bawumia.

Conclusion:

As the commercial drivers gear up for their 24-hour sit-down demonstration, the nation watches closely to see how the government responds to their grievances. The union’s call for solidarity underscores the broader concerns within the transportation sector, emphasizing the need for open dialogue and fair policies that consider the welfare of all stakeholders.

The above mentioned directive by our union is not discretionary decision but one we believe to fight head-on the abusive way government extort from drivers and vehicle owners.

We recall in the 2021 budget in the amended energy sector levies Act 1064 Act 2021 section 5B, a sanitation and pollution levy was inserted to accrue taxes at the pump stations to be used to combat pollution of any kind, which includes air pollution.

There are several attestations to the effect that the accounts of this levy has yielded so much yet its purpose is yet to be felt.

It will therefore be unwarranted, insensitive and provocative for government to bring an Emissions Levy which falls directly within the air pollution of the sanitation and pollution levy payable by any vehicle owner annually to DVLA.

It has been consistent of this government in provoking Ghanaians most especially drivers and vehicle owner and bulldozing their way out even when it is bent on something illegal.

For us as union, we write to embark on a 24 hour sit down demonstration as a way of telling this wayward government to scrab this obnoxious levy without delay.

It is too early to also forget the government’s promise to cancel ESLA when in opposition yet decided to do worse when given the mandate.

We thus call on all stakeholders particularly other driver unions to support our quest to fight this wickedness and extortion by Nana Addo – Bawumia

 

 

……….signed…….
Seidu Yakubu (Chairman) 0243804009

Kwame Asamoah ( Secretary)
0249856590

Yaw Barimah (PRO)
0500312104- 0554822565