National Mandatory Towing Levy
Government has directed that the implementation of the National Mandatory Towing Levy should be put on hold temporarily, in view of the furore that has greeted it in recent times.
In a press release issued yesterday in Accra signed by the sector Minister, Kwaku Ofori Asiamah, the ministry pointed out that it had been following the ongoing discussions in the media ahead of the implementation of the National Towing Project scheduled for 1st July, 2017.
It said it wanted to further address certain concerns regarding the quantum of ‘Road Safety Fees’ fixed by parliament, the mandatory nature of the project, extent of sensitization of the project, as well as concerns of monopoly, among others.
“While the ministry acknowledges that the project has been subjected to a series of stakeholder consultations, feedback from public discourse suggests that the need for further consultations to assist in public understanding of the rationale for the project.
“In view of this, the ministry has directed the National Road Safety Commission to further consult with the appropriate stakeholders on the above concerns, including the date for the commencement of the project, prior to its implementation.
“The ministry wishes to remind the public that in accordance with LI 2180, no person may operate a commercial towing service without a permit granted by the minister or his representative.”
It further states, “The ministry appeals for calm on this issue. Stationary and broken-down vehicles account for 21 percent of fatal vehicle crashes (accidents that lead to death) every year, on the average. It remains our expectation that collectively, we can find the most effective solution to this concern in the larger public interest.”
Passed in 2012, the LI 2180 was worked upon for further five years to make it work this year.
But just a fortnight to its implementation, the new regulation has been met with public dissatisfaction.
Some members of the public have even questioned the basis for which the National Road Safety Commission awarded the contract to Road Safety Management Limited (RSML), a subsidiary of the Jospong Group of Companies.
Both commercial and non-commercial vehicle users would have been made to pay annual fees ranging from GH¢20 to GH¢200, depending on the tonnage of the vehicle.
By Samuel Boadi