Labour unions are demanding for the complete withdrawal of the 15 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT) imposed on electricity.
This comes after the unions in a meeting today at the Trades Union Congress (TUC) headquarters deliberated on the government’s decision to suspend the controversial VAT policy.
The unions have opposed the government’s implementation of the VAT on electricity, arguing that it will impose further hardships on the citizens.
Despite the government’s suspension of the VAT and intention for wider consultations on the matter, the unions say they are skeptical and will go ahead with their demonstration on February 13 unless the levy is completely scrapped.
The President of the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), Angel Carbonu reiterated and demanded a total withdrawal of the VAT letter issued by the government.
He emphasised that the unions are now willing to sit with the government to deliberate on the VAT matter.
Meanwhile, the unions have received support from other groups, one of which is the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU).
The PRO of the union, Abass Imoro called for a complete withdrawal of the VAT policy, stressing that they have directed their members not to work on February 13 in solidarity with labour unions.
“We are with TUC on this demonstration. The government must withdraw this policy. Tell every driver in the country that we are not working; we also pay electricity bills.”
