TUC to proceed with ‘demo’ against VAT on electricity despite suspension

Despite the Ministry of Finance’s directive to suspend the controversial 15 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT) on electricity, the Organised Labour of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) in the Greater Accra Region is still determined to carry out its planned protest.

The Ministry of Finance on February 7, 2024, directed the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCO) to suspend the implementation of the new tax policy until discussions with stakeholders, including Organised Labour, have taken place.

Initially, TUC gave the government a seven-day ultimatum to beat a retreat on plans to impose of Value Added Tax (VAT) on electricity.

Under that, the TUC insists on a complete annul of the tax.

In an interview, Patrick Binyemi, a representative from the regional Metro Council of Labour, outlined their plans for a nationwide demonstration slated for February 13 at a press conference in Accra.

“We will embark on a never-happened demonstration. This is scheduled for next week Tuesday, the 13th of February 2024. By this, we are calling on all organized labour members all over the Greater Accra region to be ready and prepared for this demonstration

“On Tuesday at 6:30 am we are all gathering at the Obra Spot, Circle where we will proceed through the Kojo Thompson road to the Farisco traffic light. We will take a left to the TUC traffic light then a right to the polo grounds along the Professor John Evans Atta Mills highway, which is the high street and we will end at Independence Square or the Black Stars Square. Please let us take note,” he stated.