Josiah
Organised Labour has opted to suspend its planned demonstration against the 15 percent Value Added Tax (VAT) on Electricity, following the government’s decision to suspend the policy for further stakeholder engagement. Despite this suspension, Organised Labour maintains its demand for the complete withdrawal of the new tax.
The government officially communicated the suspension of the controversial tax to the labour group, prompting the decision to halt the planned demonstration. During a news conference in Accra, Dr. Yaw Baah, the Secretary General of the Trades Union Congress, emphasized their commitment to advocating against what they perceive as unfavorable tax policies.
Earlier, Minority members on the Trade and Industry Committee of Parliament had urged Organised Labour to stand firm in its quest to demonstrate against the 15 percent VAT on electricity. Yussif Sulemana, the Ranking Member on the Trade and Industry Committee of Parliament, asserted that unless the government seeks parliamentary approval to reduce its expenditure, Organised Labour should not relent in efforts to have the tax withdrawn.
Sulemana highlighted the importance of the government coming to Parliament and stating that it is reducing budget expenditure by a specific amount. He suggested that the suspension has led to engagement with the IMF, and urged Organised Labour not to yield as the government attempts to find a resolution.
Source:Omanghana
