Organised Labour has announced its intention to begin nationwide demonstration on the February 13, 2024 to demand government withdraws the 15% VAT imposed on electricity consumption.
Speaking at a press conference on February 2, the Chairman of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), Dr Yaw Baah said they will not compromise on their stance against the VAT on electricity.
“We will not negotiate on it,” he said.
“We are going to lead a very massive demonstration in all regional capitals on 13th of February. We have appointed a committee to do it, the only reason why we have not embarked on demonstration is that we are not in a position to have any discussion on anything. If government doesn’t want us to demonstrate against it, they should withdraw,” he added.
He recalled demands made during the previous news conference which have not been heeded to.
On January 23, the TUC asked the government to withdraw the tax.
“It is always the poor, including pensioners who bear the brunt and we should not allow that to continue. Today organized labour, our message to the government is that we cannot pay VAT on electricity, we will not pay it today, we will not pay it tomorrow.
“Organized labour is therefore demanding the directive from the Minister of Finance to stop the VAT on the consumption of electricity. So, we are giving the government up to 31st January 2024 to withdraw the letter. If by that time the directive has not been given to withdraw it, we will advise ourselves,” Dr Yaw Baah said at a press conference in Accra on Tuesday, January 23.
Withdraw VAT on electricity – TUC tells govt
Dr Baah emphasised that government has not scheduled any meeting with Organised Labour.
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Meanwhile, they have declared their intention to petition the Ghana Police Service on Monday ahead of the nationwide demonstration.
By Daniel Opoku