The Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL) has urged Parliament to reject the new Excise Tax Bill and other tax proposals that await its approval.
The proposed introduction of the Excise Duty Amendment Bill, 2022, an amendment to the Excise Duty Act 2014 (Act 878) is likely to be approved by Parliament this week.
But the GFL believes the taxes, when approved, will have negative effects on Ghanaian businesses that are already struggling from excess taxes.
A statement signed by GFL Secretary General, Abraham Koomson, on Thursday March 30, 2023, expressed worry over Parliament’s approval of President Akufo-Addo’s new nominees for ministerial and judicial appointments and admonished the Members of Parliament to reject the new taxes.
Mr. Koomson said the prevailing financial crunch and plight of workers under the escalated cost of living as a result of the insensitive economic policies of the Akufo-Addo government demands that both Majority and Minority MPs reject the taxes to “halt further deterioration of the conditions of living of people to avert social upheavals.”
Below is the statement of GFL;
OUTRAGEOUS TAX LADEN GOVERNMENT POLICIES INIMICAL TO INDUSTRIAL GROWTH AND CAUSE OF MASSIVE UNEMPLOYMENT IN GHANA AND THREAT TO NATIONAL SECURITY
Consequent upon the virtual unanimous approval of His Excellency, the President’s new nominees for ministerial and judicial appointments inspite of the prevailing financial crunch and considering the plight of workers under the escalated cost of living as a result of the insensitive economic policies of government, the Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL) deems appropriate to draw attention of members of Parliament to do the needful to halt further deterioration of the conditions of living of people to avert social upheavals.
Parliament by constitutional mandate is positioned to check profligacy of the Executive to ensure good governance for the benefit of the citizenry for development.
Contrary to expectations of the people, Parliament is seen as being complicit in implementation of outrageous Government policies which threaten to destroy businesses and render joblessness.
The GFL in a petition to the Speaker of Parliament dated 3rd February 2023 drew attention to the numerous taxes already being paid by the existing distressed businesses and the harm any additional taxes will do to investments.
Similar concerns have been raised by the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA), Food and Beverage Association of Ghana, and Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana, and Parliament petitioned accordingly.
As the new Excise Tax Bill and other tax proposals await approval by Parliament, we entreat members of Parliament to engage the critical Industry stakeholders prior to any action on the new Taxes.
Abraham Koomson
Secretary General
