Starting from February 1, 2024, all vehicle owners in Ghana will be required to pay the Emission Levy, as mandated by the Emission Levy Act, 2023 (Act 1112). The purpose of this levy is to impose charges on carbon dioxide equivalent emissions generated by internal combustion engine vehicles.
To ensure fair implementation, the levy amounts have been set as follows: GHS75 per annum for motorcycles and tricycles, GHS150 per annum for motor vehicles, buses, and coaches up to 3000 cc, GHS300 per annum for motor vehicles, buses, and coaches above 3000 cc, and GHS300 per annum for cargo trucks and articulated trucks.
The government’s objective behind introducing this levy is multifaceted. Firstly, it aims to address the issue of greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to global efforts to combat climate change. By imposing charges on vehicles that produce higher emissions, the government wants to promote the adoption of eco-friendly technology and encourage the use of green energy.
Additionally, the implementation of the Emission Levy aligns with the government’s goals of improving environmental management and controlling air and water pollution. By creating financial incentives for personal and commercial vehicle owners to choose vehicles with lower emissions, it is anticipated that air and water quality will see noticeable improvements over time.
Under section 4(4) of Act 1112, any entity responsible for issuing a road use certificate, such as the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) and other testing centers, must request evidence of payment of the Emission Levy before issuing the certificate.
To facilitate the payment process, all vehicle owners are advised to register and pay the levy exclusively through the Ghana.gov platform.
The introduction of this levy has caused some concerns among driver unions, leading to threats of a potential increase in public transportation fares. Currently, negotiations between the driver unions and the government are underway to address their concerns and find a mutually agreeable solution.
In summary, the implementation of the Emission Levy in Ghana aims to combat carbon emissions, promote the adoption of eco-friendly technology and green energy, and improve overall environmental management while controlling air and water pollution. All vehicle owners are required to register and pay the levy on the Ghana.gov platform, and discussions are ongoing with driver unions to address their concerns about potential fare increases.
Source: Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
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