The Consumer Protection Agency has expressed its fullest support to the Trades Union Congress (TUC) and others who are concern about the economic Hardship and calling on government to withdraw the 15% VAT on electricity.
CPA reminds Government not forget the regulatory role of PURC’s implementation of the automatic price adjustment on utility services in every quarter of the year and would result in additional cost.
This insensitive tax would be a double jeopardy on consumers .
This came to light at a press conference presented by the Chief Executive Officer of Consumer Protection Agency, Mr. Kofi Owusu Hene (aka. Kofi Capito) in Accra.
“At this particular point in time, consumers of electricity are already overburdened and it will be unfair and disastrous on all electricity consumers, most especially households who do not add any value to electricity before using it”.
He mentioned that, it is a fact that government needs taxes for development but said, government can collect taxes in other ways and not on electricity consumption alone
CPA like the TUC, are urging government to implement other tax policies that would not impact negativity citizens. The current option is a bad one and must not be entertained.
The agency encourages government to reduce its expenditure that has become a burden on the Ghanaian tax payer.
“In view of this , we are entreating all electricity users in the country to join the CPA and The Trades Union Congress for a massive protest against this 15% VAT if it is not withdrawn by the 31st January 2024 which is the implementation deadline”.
According to Mr. Kofi Capitol, it is now time for all consumers to come together to let the government know that, they are elected to serve the interest and not their own interest.
CPA is optimistic that, government would withdraws the 15% VAT on electricity before the 31st January roll out.
