Implementation of 9% Communication Tax to take effect in October

The Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications has announced that the implementation of the new Communication Service Tax (CST) proposed by the Finance Ministry will take effect from October.

The Chamber explained, for every GH¢1 of recharge purchased, a 0.70 pesewas CST fee will be charged leaving GH0.93 pesewas for purchase of products and services.

This follows the 2019 mid-year budget review where the Finance Minister indicated that the CST will be increased from six per cent to nine per cent.

The Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, Kenneth Ashigbey in a signed statement reiterated the charge will be applied to any recharge purchase made.

It noted “The objective of the increase as detailed in the mid-year budget is to develop the foundation for the creation of a viable technology ecosystem in the country. This will comprise amongst others putting in systems to identify and combat cybercrime, protect users of information technology and combat money laundering among other financial crimes. ”

“Our members, as responsible corporate entities, would comply fully with Ghana’s laws. As intended, the incidence of the modification will thus be on consumers. It will impact the cost of telecommunication services,” extracts of the statement added.

Find below the statement by the Chamber