The Transport Ministry has announced the suspension of the mandatory towing levy yet to be introduced by the National Road Safety Commission (NRSC).
This was disclosed by the Deputy Transport Minister, Titus Glover.
According to him, the decision to halt the levy is to educate the public on how the new towing levy will work to their benefit.
The development follows disapproval by vehicle owners at the compulsory towing levy.
Some of the drivers who spoke to Citi Business News argued that the levy will only add to their burden.
The compulsory annual fee was to take effect on the 1st of July, 2017 to cater for towing services.
But speaking on Citi Eyewitness News on Monday, Mr. Titus Glover said the decision has been put on hold.
“Actually we are suspending it to ensure that the right things are done, and when I say right things I mean we think that the public has not been given enough education. One of the major thing that has come up is that of cost; thus, the fees that they are paying. But it has been approved by Parliament if it means that we have to go back to Parliament to amend that part of the fees that is going to be collated in terms of collection and all that so that people can have some respite, why not?” the Deputy Minister asserted.
He added, “I think that what the minister has done is to listen to the cry of the people.”
Earlier, a tax consultant, Abdallah Ali-Nakyea of Ali-Nakyea and Associates also described the mandatory yearly towing levy as improper, hence must be scrapped.
He maintained that the law was not properly thought through before it was passed.
“I don’t think it is a fair kind of tax because the point is if your car breaks down you have to pay for it yourself for it to be towed. The kind of system they are bringing to me looks like insurance where we all contribute and those who have a breakdown will benefit,” he said.
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By: Jessica Ayorkor Aryee/citibusinessnews.com/Ghana