Global site navigation

Ghana Tax Burden: Organised Labour Suspends Demonstration Against 15% VAT On Electricity
Ghana

Ghana Tax Burden: Organised Labour Suspends Demonstration Against 15% VAT On Electricity

by  Delali Adogla-Bessa 2 min read
  • Organised labour has suspended its planned demonstration against the controversial tax on electricity purchases
  • The decision came after official communication of the suspension of the tax government to the labour group
  • Organised labour was set to hold a nationwide protest against the 15% VAT on Electricity on February 13, 2024

PAY ATTENTION: Read YEN News now on Facebook Broadcast Channel. Click and follow now!

Organised labour has suspended its planned demonstration against the 15% VAT on Electricity.

The decision follows the official communication of the suspension of the tax government to the labour group.

TUC calls of demonstration against tax
Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta (L) and TUC boss Dr. Yaw Baah (R). Source: Trades Union Congress
Source: Getty Images

Speaking at a news conference in Accra, Secretary General of the Trades Union Congress, Dr Yaw Baah, said his group would continue to advocate against unfavourable tax policies.

Earlier reports indicated the government had already backed away from implementing the unpopular 15% VAT on electricity purchases after some agitation.

Read also

“Not a smart move": Analyst slams Bawumia speech distancing himself from unpopular Akufo-Addo policies

PAY ATTENTION: All celebrity news in one place! Follow YEN's Facebook Broadcast channel and read on the go.

The government had plans to charge the VAT on a section of electricity consumers in the country.

A letter from the Ministry of Finance has shown that this tax was to be implemented on January 1, 2024.

This letter was addressed to the Electricity Company of Ghana and the Northern Electricity Distribution Company.

The tax will be charged to residential electricity customers above the maximum consumption level specified for block charges for lifeline units.

It added that the VAT forms part of implementing the country's Covid-19 recovery plan.

Bawumia promises to scrap a number of taxes

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, promised to abolish the e-levy and other taxes burdening Ghanaians.

The Electronic Transfer Levy Act imposed a levy of 1% on electronic transfers.

Read also

Meta removes Instagram, Facebook accounts of Iran's Khamenei

Bawumia said he would execute these promises if elected president after the 2024 polls.

He was addressing supporters in preparation for his political campaign at the Kofi Ohene Konadu Auditorium at UPSA.

Bawumia also announced that he will abolish the emission tax, tax on betting, and the proposed 15% VAT on electricity tariffs if it exists by January 2025.

He also announced that his government would introduce what he described as a friendly, flat tax regime for Ghana, which would boost individuals and businesses.

New feature: Сheck out news that is picked for YOU ➡️ click on “Recommended for you” and enjoy!

Source: YEN.com.gh

Authors:
Delali Adogla-Bessa avatar

Delali Adogla-Bessa (Current Affairs Editor) Delali Adogla-Bessa is a Current Affairs Editor with YEN.com.gh. Delali previously worked as a freelance journalist in Ghana and has over seven years of experience in media, primarily with Citi FM, Equal Times, Ubuntu Times. Delali also volunteers with the Ghana Institute of Language Literacy and Bible Translation, where he documents efforts to preserve local languages. He graduated from the University of Ghana in 2014 with a BA in Information Studies. Email: delali.adogla-bessa@yen.com.gh.

Hot: