NDC MP commends government on tow levy

Inusah Fuseini, Member of Parliament for Tamale Central and former Minister of Roads and Highways, has extolled the Akufo-Addo-led government for cancelling the compulsory tow levy.

He told Valentina Ofori-Afriyie, host of the 505 programme on Class 91.3FM on Monday: “I think that the government has responded rightly; it is a step in the right direction. When a policy is introduced or initiated and there is a general outcry, the government has to suspend its implementation and reconsider it and review it to ensure that it meets the legitimate expectations of the people. So I commend government for withdrawing the towing levy.”

Government announced the cancellation of the levy on Sunday, 20 August 2017 after a section of Ghanaians strongly opposed its implementation.

The policy would have imposed a mandatory fee on all vehicle owners in the country.

This was to help a towing company tow broken-down vehicles from the roads across the country to help ensure traffic safety and reduce accidents.

A statement from the Transport Ministry announcing the cancellation of the contract said: “The government has decided not to implement the mandatory towing levy which was scheduled to have commenced on 1 July, 2017.

“This follows extensive consultation between the Minister of Transport and stakeholders in the transport sector.”

The statement signed by Transport Minister, Kwaku Ofori Asiamah, noted that: “Upon consultations consequent to the calls, government has decided to seek a review of parts of the laws specifically to achieve the following objective: removal from the law, the concept of a mandatory towing levy on all owners and persons in charge of motor vehicles and trailers.”