Communications Service tax up by 9%

Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has announced an upward adjustment in a number of taxes including the Communication Service Tax (CST) with the hope of raising additional revenue to help execute government programmes and policies.

Presenting the 2019 Mid-Year Budget Review to Parliament on Monday, Ofori-Atta said the government has decided to raise the CST by 9%.

The rise in the CST means Ghanaians will have to brace themselves to pay more for the purchase and use of mobile phones and related items.

He stated, “The Communication Service Tax (CST) would be increased by nine (9) percent to develop the foundation for the creation of a viable technological ecosystem in the country.”

This, according to him, will comprise among others putting in systems to identify and combat cyber-crime, protect users of information technology and combat money laundering and other financial crimes.

The Nana Addo-led government, apart from the CST has also proposed an upward adjustment in the Road Fund Levy, the Energy Debt Recovery Levy; and the Price Stabilisation and Recovery Levy to bring the ratios close to twenty-one percent (21%) to help bridge the financing requirements.