Ghana Haulage Transport Owners unhappy with 110% increase in Vehicle Income Tax

The Ghana Haulage Transport Owners Association (GHATOA) has protested against the 110% increase in Vehicle Income Tax (VIT) by the Ghana Revenue Authority.

They described as completely unacceptable and unjustified the astronomical increase of the tax rate from GH¢90.00 to GH¢200.00 per quarter at a time when petroleum prices had also gone up.

Addressing a press conference in Kumasi over the weekend to react to the tax adjustment, Mr Alfred Arthur, General Secretary of the Association, said the leadership had directed its members not to renew their VIT, due for January 15, until their grievances had been resolved by the government.

He said all options were opened, including a sit down strike to press for a review of the new tax.

He said most of their members were currently experiencing difficulties to get goods to haul due to the decision by importers of the neighbouring landlocked countries not to import through the Tema port as a result of problems with documentation and other bureaucracies at the port.

This, he said, had affected their businesses and the payment of GH¢200.00 every quarter could only make matters worse.

Mr Arthur said apart from the VIT, they also paid five per cent fees on the haulage of cocoa this they considered as a form of double taxation.

The association appealed to the Minister of Roads and Transport and government to take critical look at the situation and take actions that would mitigate their suffering adding that their contribution to the development of the nation could not be underestimated.

Mr Arthur demanded that the VIT was either reverted to GH¢90.00 or members be made to pay the tax as and when they haul goods as used to be the case.

Source: GNA