The Member of Parliament for Builsa South, Dr. Clement Apaak says the government must first deal with the destruction of forests and the pollution of rivers as a result of illegal mining.
This comes on the back of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) announcing the Emissions Levy Act, 2023 (Act 1112) which comes into effect February 1, 2024.
According to the GRA, the ACT imposes a levy on carbon dioxide equivalent emissions on internal combustion engine vehicles.
The GRA further explained that the move forms part of the government’s efforts aimed at dealing with greenhouse gas emissions to encourage the use of green energy and eco-friendly technology to enhance environmental management and reduce overall pollution levels in the air and water.
Commenting on the development, the Builsa South lawmaker stated that the emissions levy or tax is only a ploy to take more money from Ghanaians.
“If this government is interested in protecting the environment or mitigating the effects of climate change, it should deal with the destruction of our forests and the pollution of our rivers as a result of illegal mining.
“This emissions levy or tax is only a ploy to take more money from Ghanaians. What exactly is the government going to do with the proceeds from the emissions tax that will benefit us and the environment? Has the government shown us a programme of interventions the money will be used for and to mitigate the effects of emissions? Has a fund been established in which the emissions tax will be lodged into for such a purpose? Is the money not going into the consolidated fund like every other tax they have imposed on us?” Dr. Apaak asked.
He continued: “Ghanaians must resist this and other unjustified taxes being imposed on us by a government that has collapsed our economy and impoverished Ghanaians.”
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