The much-anticipated commencement of the implementation of the Emissions levy did not come off on February 1 as scheduled.
Checks by 3News indicate that the website through which applications were supposed to be processed (www.Ghana.gov) failed to function.
Automobile owners are expected to process forms online exclusively through Ghana.gov platform before they can get to pay and be issued their road worthiness certificates at the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA).
The Emissions Levy Act, 2023 (Act 1112) was expected to have taken effect on February 1, 2024, according to a statement released by the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).
According to GRA, the Emissions Levy Act will tax internal combustion engine vehicles’ carbon dioxide equivalent emissions.
The GRA underscored that the action is consistent with the government’s resolve to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Emissions Levy Act takes effect today, February 1 | 3News
By encouraging the use of green energy and eco-friendly technology, the Emissions Levy Act is intended to improve environmental management and reduce air and water pollution.
According to the GRA, anybody required to pay the emissions Levy must finish registration and use the Ghana.gov platform only to make levy payments.
“Under section 4(4) of Act 1112, a person required to issue a road certificate (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) and other testing centres) shall demand evidence of payment of the levy before issuing a Road Use Certificate.”
Furthermore, as stated in Act 1112, the GRA urged all car owners to comply with the mandate and meet their responsibility by paying the Emissions Levy.
Meanwhile, Deputy National Director of A Rocha Ghana, Daryl Bosu, has described the new Emission Levy Act as fraud against Ghanaians.
He said the imposition of the Emissions Levy Act, 2023 (Act 1112) on Ghanaians is unjust because Ghana, as a developing country, has the lowest emission levels.
The environmentalist added that on the global front, taxes and emissions levies are only applied to developed countries since emissions peak in such countries.
According to him, the government is perpetuating an injustice with the emission levy when it has recognised on international platforms like COP28 that Ghana is amongst the countries with the least contribution to climate change.
In a related development, drivers in the Eastern Regional capital, Koforidua have demanded an alternative to the online processing for the effective payment of the emission levy.
According to the drivers, the process is not only cumbersome, but would further negatively affect their business. They have therefore vowed to pass on the cost of the tax to the passengers.
The drivers raised concerns such as lack of internet connectivity and the technology involved.
