The Ghana Online Drivers Union (GODU) of T.U.C is calling on the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and ride-hailing companies to postpone the implementation date of the Vehicle Income Tax (VIT).
This follows the GRA’s decision to reintroduce the payment of VIT effective January 1, 2024.
In a statement signed by the National Chairman of GODU, Francis Kweku Tenge, the union opposed the directive, asserting that the VIT costs would ultimately be borne by the drivers.
They expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of consultation with stakeholders and emphasised the absence of legislative instruments regulating the ride-hailing sector as a commercial entity, deeming it illegitimate to impose taxes at this time.
The union also highlighted concerns about the unknown cost of the VIT, difficulties with the *222# short code for vehicle verification, and uncertainties about how the required update from ride-hailing companies would affect their work.
“We are therefore appealing to the GRA to hold on to its implementation date of 1 January 2024 until proper collaborations are deepened with the union,” portions of the statement indicated.
If their request is denied, the union has threatened a nationwide strike, price negotiation with riders and switching to alternative local apps, as other alternative course of action.