John Dramani Mahama’s pessimism on the suffering of Ghanaians as long as the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is at the hem of affairs is something the 2024 flag bearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) is certain of.
His comment comes on the back of the government’s introduction of Value Added Tax (VAT) on electricity consumption which he has backed organised labour to kick against.
According to Mr. Mahama, the prevailing economic challenges should have ordinarily been subdued in a way, following the release of the second tranche of the US$600 million of the US$3 billion IMF facility.
But, Mr. Mahama says there is no way the development will bear any fruit due to the poor handlers of the economy and their unfavourable policies such as the VAT on electricity.
“Under normal circumstances, the release of $600 million by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to the government of Ghana should provide relief to the already overburdened and suffering Ghanaian.
Likewise the TUC, John Mahama says the additional tax will aggravate the already unbearable economic conditions unleashed on Ghanaians by the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) poor governance.
In a Facebook post Wednesday, January 24, 2024, the former President promised the TUC that the next NDC government will enroll better economic policies to lessen their burden and that of every Ghanaian.
The Trades Union Congress (TUC) issued a seven-day ultimatum to the government, demanding the withdrawal of the imposition of Value Added Tax (VAT) on electricity consumption beyond the lifeline threshold.
The Secretary General of TUC, Dr. Yaw Baah stressed on the detrimental impact of the move on the livelihoods of ordinary Ghanaians, particularly pensioners and those with low incomes.
At a press conference Tuesday, January 23, 2024, Dr. Baah emphasised that the impoverished population in the country cannot afford to bear the additional tax burden.
He called on the government and its agencies to promptly retract the implementation of the proposed tax.
“It’s always the poor people in this country, including pensioners, who bear the brunt. And we should not allow that to continue. Organised Labour, we have come together and our message to the government is very simple, we cannot pay VAT on electricity.
“We will not pay it today or tomorrow. Organised Labour is demanding the immediate withdrawal of the letter, and another directive from the Finance Minister to Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo), ECG to stop the implementation of the VAT on electricity. We are giving the government, up to January 31, 2024, to withdraw the letter,” Dr Yaw Baah said.
READ ALSO: Bawumia told to do a ‘lifestyle audit for check and balance’ over numerous giveaways
