The former Deputy Energy Minister during former president John Dramani Mahama’s administration and a Member of Parliament for Yapei-Kusawgu Constituency, Mr. John Abdulai Jinapor has called on president Akufo-Addo’s government to immediately withdraw new taxes on electricity consumption or be ready to face the wrath of the ordinary Ghanaians.
According to Mr. John Jinapor, President Akufo-Addo has made a U-turn to Ghanaians by introducing additional three new taxes on electricity consumption in the midst of the deadly Coronavirus pandemic. He added that, government is playing tricks on Ghanaians by announcing a 50% reduction on electricity consumption for the months of April, May and June 2020 using March bill as a Benchmark but went ahead to introduced a new tax on electricity.
“Barely a month after announcing a 50% reduction on Electricity consumption for a duration of 3 months using March Benchmark consumption figures, the Akufo-Addo led government has turn around to introduce additional burden on already impoverished Ghanaians by the introduction of three new taxes on electricity consumers.” He explained.
The former Deputy Energy Minister has described the new directive of Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to the Energy Sector SOEs for electricity consumers to pay extra charges of power consumption as inhumane, insensitive and betrayal of trust by Ghanaians in President Akufo-Addo’s government. “By a letter dated 4th May, 2020, the Ghana Revenue Authority has directed the Energy Sector SOEs to commence Charging Electricity consumers GETFUND Levy of 2.5%, NHIL Levy of 2.5% and VAT of 12.5% respectively.
The Member of Parliament for Yapei-Kusawgu Constituency also accused the Vice President H.E Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia to have run out of ideas, plans and decisions as the head of the Economic Management Team, hence as a result has introduced a new avenue to make money from less privilege Ghanaians. “From all indications, the Economic Management team under Dr. Mahmoud Bawumia, has run out of ideas hence resorting to such draconian policies which are inimical to the already impoverished taxpayers under this Government.” He said.
“You cannot claim to have given Ghanaians a three months 50% tariff waiver and within same time add new taxes to their bills. This is absolutely insensitive and abhorring.” Mr. John Jinapor further lamented.
He has therefore directed President Akuffo-Addo’s government to, with immediate effect withdraw the unfavorable and obnoxious policy or face the wrath of the ordinary Ghanaian who has tolerated the harsh policies of his Government for far too long.
In conclusion, he added taht, the current “government should not take the sustained tolerance of the people of Ghana as weakness and ignorance.”
Attached is a copy of the GRA letter as evidence.
