GNAT directs teachers to demonstrate against implementation of 15% VAT on electricity consumption

The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) has announced its support for a nationwide demonstration against the implementation of a 15% Value Added Tax (VAT) on residential electricity consumption.

The demonstration, organized by the country’s organized labor unions, is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, in all regional capitals.

The decision to embark on the demonstration was reached during a meeting held on Friday, February 2, 2024, at the Trade Union Hall in Accra.

The meeting was attended by representatives from various labor unions, including GNAT, who expressed their concerns about the government’s directive to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) to implement the 15% VAT.

GNAT,  who is member of the Organised Labour, fully supports the decision to protest against what it calls an “insensitive tax.” The teachers’ association believes that the introduction of the 15% VAT on residential electricity consumption will place an additional burden on already struggling Ghanaians.

In a letter addressed to all GNAT Regional Secretariats, the association’s leadership instructed its members to join the nationwide demonstration in their respective regions.

“The imposition of this insensitive tax on electricity consumption will have dire consequences for the people of Ghana, especially the vulnerable and low-income households,” said the GNAT spokesperson. “We cannot stand idly by while the burden on our citizens continues to grow. It is our duty to raise our voices and demand a fair and just resolution to this issue.”

SOURCE: Coverghana.com.gh