The Forum for Media Accountability and Democratic Governance (FoMADeG) has urged the government to drop the Emission Levy to alleviate the burden of hardship on Ghanaians.
While acknowledging the government’s decision to suspend the 15% VAT imposition on electricity, FoMADeG emphasized that this action alone was insufficient.
In a statement issued by Mr. Cliff Ekuful, the Executive Founder and Chief Steward of the Forum, FoMADeG expressed concern over President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s decision to implement these taxes despite his promise to move the country from taxation to production.
The forum highlighted the suffering of the citizenry and deemed the government’s approach offensive and insensitive, especially during a period of heightened hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
FoMADeG criticized the government for burdening Ghanaians with additional taxes, stating that citizens are already paying substantial taxes, including existing fuel and road-use taxes.
The statement warned of potential disturbances in the labor sector and urged the government to withdraw both the Emission Levy and the 15% VAT on electricity to maintain industrial harmony, particularly in an election year.
While acknowledging the suspension of the 15% VAT on electricity as a positive step, FoMADeG stressed that it was insufficient and urged the government to also suspend the Emission Levy.
The forum criticized the reliance on indirect taxes over the past three decades, describing it as a “lazy man’s approach” to managing the economy.
FoMADeG called for innovative ways to increase direct tax revenue and alleviate the burden of indirect taxes on Ghanaians.
It emphasized the need for an honest conversation on the Ghanaian economy, free from propaganda and over-politicization, to address the challenges facing the country effectively.
