The leadership of the Okada Riders Association is set to petition the Ministry of Transport next Monday to consider reducing the emissions levy.

The Emissions Levy Act, 2023 (Act 1112), which imposes a levy on carbon dioxide equivalent emissions on internal combustion engine vehicles, started yesterday.

The levy amount varies based on the type of vehicle and its engine capacity. Motorcycles and tricycles are required to pay GH₵75 per annum, while motor vehicles, buses, and coaches up to 3000 cubic centimetres are required to pay GH₵150 per annum.

Motor vehicles, buses, and coaches above 3000 cubic centimetres, cargo trucks, and articulated trucks are required to pay GH₵300 per annum.

In an interview with Citi News, Secretary of the Okada Riders Association, Majid Amidu said the amount being charged for the levy is high hence their decision to petition the government.

“It is too much. People are suffering. You did not give us jobs, you did not do anything for us and yet you want us to pay GH75. We will hold another meeting and write a petition to the government and the whole of Ghana that enough is enough.

“If they do not reduce the levy, we will go out and demonstrate against this government. By Monday the petition will be ready and we will send it to the Minister,” he said.