The Greater Accra Regional branch of Organised Labour of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) remains resolute in their decision to proceed with a planned protest, despite the recent directive from the Ministry of Finance to suspend the controversial 15 percent Value Added Tax (VAT) on electricity.
On February 7, 2024, the Ministry of Finance issued explicit instructions to both the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCO) to halt the implementation of the new tax policy. The suspension is to remain in effect until thorough discussions with stakeholders, including Organised Labour, have taken place.
However, the labour unions have expressed dissatisfaction with this directive, advocating for a complete repeal of the tax rather than a mere suspension.
Patrick Binyemi, a representative from the regional metro council of labour, outlined the unions’ unwavering stance at a press conference held in Accra. Despite the government’s efforts to address concerns, the labour unions are determined to move forward with a nationwide demonstration scheduled for February 13, 2024.
The planned protest is set to encompass various activities, with one notable action being the suspension of commercial vehicle operations on the day of the demonstration. Binyemi emphasized the significance of the upcoming event, describing it as a “never-happened demonstration.”
The protest is slated to encompass various activities, with one notable action being the suspension of commercial vehicle operations on the day of the demonstration.
“We will embark on a never-happened demonstration. This is scheduled for next week Tuesday, the 13th of February 2024. By this, we are calling on all organised labour members all over the Greater Accra region to be ready and prepared for this demonstration
“On Tuesday at 6:30 am we are all gathering at the Obra Spot, Circle where we will proceed through the Kojo Thompson road to the Farisco traffic light. We will take a left to the TUC traffic light then a right to the polo grounds along the Professor John Evans Atta Mills highway, that is the high street and we will end at Independence Square or the Black Stars Square. Please let us take note,” he stated.
