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Emissions levy: We’ll increase our fares accordingly – GPRTU
The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has disclosed that it will increase transport fares following the imposition of the Emissions Levy which took effect on Thursday, February 1, 2024.
The Emissions Levy which is contained in the 2024 budget is in line with the government’s efforts aimed at tackling greenhouse gas emissions to promote the use of eco-friendly technology and green energy.
Industrial relations officer for GPRTU, Abass Imoro in an Eyewitness News interview with Umaru Sanda Amadu on Citi FM alleged that the relevant stakeholders including the Transport and Finance Minister ignored the concerns of members and went ahead to implement the levy without responding to their petition.
“We were not part of the discussions before they came out with it [the levy]. We spotted it in the budget and we raised issues with it, our suggestions were not taken and we petitioned Parliament and we have not had any response yet.
“We had a meeting with the Transport and Finance Ministers and said that there was something wrong with the levy that we felt was not proper and the Finance Minister promised to do something about it, only for us to hear that the levy has taken effect today [February 1].
“So we said that we have decided that when we try to draw the public’s attention and nothing is being done, the only way is to add it up and have to increase our fares.”
The levy amount to be paid is dependent 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.
Source: Citinewsroom.com
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Seek healthcare at facilities where nursing services are available – Ministry of Health
As a result of the ongoing strike action by the Ghana Registered Nurses and
Midwives Association (GRNMA), it has become imperative for the Ministry of
Health to implement additional measures to mitigate any inconvenience that has been caused.
According to the Ministry, in a statement, it has through all appropriate channels, led negotiations to ensure the smooth approval and implementation of the
new Conditions of Service.
Against this backdrop, the statement added that in line with the Ministry’s policy to ensure healthy population for national development, it has become necessary to make provisions to fill the gaps created as a result of the strike.
Consequently, the Ministry has urged the general public to continue seeking healthcare services at various health facilities, including those where nursing services remain available, to ensure their health needs are met.
They Ministry also attached a link of health facilities across the country in the statement.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Check the statement below
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MTN, Telecel & AT to increase value of data bundles effective Tuesday, July 1, 2025
The Minister for Communication and Digital Innovation, Sam George, has announced an increase in the value of data bundles by all telecommunication networks in the country.
Speaking at a Meet The Press held today, he said the new directive will take effect from July 1, 2025.
According to him, the implementation date of July 1, is to allow the telcos to recalibrate and reconfigure their systems to reflect the agreed-upon value increases.
He said The new directive will ensure that “AirtelTigo Ghana (AT Ghana): A 10% increase in all data bundles currently offered by the network, additionally, the GH₵400 bundle, which currently offers 195GB, will now offer 236GB.”
Touching on Telecel Ghana, he said, “A 10% increase in data bundles currently offered by the network, their GH₵400 bundle, which currently offers 90GB, will offer 250GB, effective from July 1.”
On MTN Ghana, the minister said, there would be “a 15% increase in all data bundles currently offered by the network and I am pleased to announce the restoration of GH₵399 bundle, which currently has been changed to GH₵350 that offers 92.88GB, will hence be reinstated to 214GB for GH₵399.”
Sam George has also urged the operators to invest in the quality of their network to ensure customers are better served.
He charged the regulator National Communication Authority (NCA) to strictly monitor the changes.
The minister expressed appreciation to the CEOs of the various companies for close collaboration over the last four months.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
