Scores of taxi drivers are expected to hit the streets of Accra on Wednesday to protest what they describe as hardship imposed on them due to recent fuel price hikes. The demonstration, which is under the umbrella union of the “Ghana committed taxi drivers association” is expected to begin on Wednesday at the Obra spot, Circle, through some principal streets of Accra The demonstration is to express their disapproval of a recent introduction of a 17.5 percent tax on petroleum products.
Speaking in an interview with Citi News,the Chairman of the Association, Charles Danso said the demonstration will be supported by taxi drivers across the various regions.
“Some are coming from Kumasi, others are coming from Swedru, Greater Accra, Ashiaman, Dome so it is a huge crowd. It is not taxi drivers alone, it is about those who buy fuel…it is about trotro drivers, tipper drivers, etc. If they don’t listen, we are going to throw another missal…we will declare a heavy strike and we will show them where power lies,” he stated.
Parliament passed the bill two weeks ago , despite attempts by the Minority in Parliament to block the move.
The decision to impose a 17.5 VAT has been criticised by many Ghanaians, though the National Petroleum Authority(NPA) clarified that the imposition will result in only a 3% increase in petoleum prices
By: Marian Efe Ansah