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Emissions levy: Govt not being fair with Ghanaians – Tax analyst
A tax analyst, Francis Timore Boi, has opposed the Emissions levy introduced by the government, saying the timing and approach are not favourable.
On February 1, 2024, the government introduced a new tax policy on carbon dioxide equivalent emissions on internal combustion engine vehicles.
Stakeholders, including the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), have opposed the move by the government.
Mr. Timore Boi, speaking on The Big Issue with Selorm Adonoo on February 3, 2024, said the action by the president is unfair, stating that the government introduced the same policy in 2021 but has not yielded any results.
He finds it disturbing that the government is reintroducing the tax, asserting that it would be disadvantageous to Ghanaians.
He said, “If in 2021, we were made to pay 10 pesewas and two years down the line you are now coming back with another tax, with the same objective, that we should pay, this time based on the engine capacity, that sounds like a double-deck and everybody will think that you know, you are not being fair to them.”
He stated, “The emission tax is supposed to lead to a change in behaviour, so there must be an alternative. The question is, what is the alternative here? We are being told about the electric vehicle. Let’s ask ourselves and let’s be sincere as a nation, how many electric cars do we have in Ghana? How many charging systems or infrastructure have we put in place to ensure that even when people bring the cars in, they’ll have that facility available?”
Source: Citinewsroom.com
The prosecution has officially rested its case in The Republic v Solomon Asamoah & Another, the high-profile legal battle commonly referred to as the “Sky Train” case.
The Deputy Attorney General Justice Srem Sai announced the development, praising the state’s team of hard-working prosecutors for successfully anchoring the state’s evidence before the High Court.
The criminal trial centers on the former Chief Executive Officer and the former Board Chairman of the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF).
The duo stands accused of illegally authorizing and paying out US$2 million to a foreign company without obtaining board directives or other mandatory statutory approvals.
State investigators have confirmed that the disbursed millions cannot be found.
Following the closure of the prosecution’s case, the accused persons moved the court for an opportunity to file a submission of no case.
The presiding judge granted the application, ordering the defense to submit their arguments by June 8.
The outcome of the June 8 filings will decide the fate of the trial:
With this, if the judge finds the defense’s submission convincing, the accused will be acquitted and discharged however, If the judge dismisses the submission, the court will order the accused officials to take the stand and explain why they should not face prison sentences.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Member of Parliament for Akuapem North, Sammy Awuku, has expressed deep sorrow following the sudden passing of Isaac Batsa, the constituency secretary for the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) lawmaker issued a statement on Tuesday reacting to the news, which has shocked the local political community.
Mr.Awuku praised the late NDC secretary for his bipartisan approach to local governance.
He noted that despite their different political affiliations, Batsa consistently rose above party lines to serve the constituency with diligence.
The MP revealed that the news was particularly shocking given that he had last interacted with Batsa just three days prior on Saturday.
Concluding his statement, Sammy Awuku extended his heartfelt condolences to Batsa’s family, the constituency and regional executives, and the entire NDC fraternity, wishing the deceased peaceful eternal rest.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
