The Managing Director of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Samuel Dubik Mahama says the law regarding the implementation of a 15% Value Added Tax (VAT) on lifeline consumption is vague.
In a press release on December 12, 2023, the Finance Minister directed that ECG and the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCO) work with GRA to implement VAT on households that have consumed power above the maximum consumption level specified for block charges for lifeline units.
The ministry backed its directive with the VAT Act, 2013, Sections 35 and 37, and the First Schedule (9) of Act 870.
But Mr Mahama insists that the framers of the constitution did not explicitly state the objectives the law was trying to achieve, making it difficult for ECG to carry out implementation.
Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on January 27, he explained that about 50 % of Ghanaians use pre-paid meters, implying that ECG can not determine if they exceed the lifeline threshold of 30 kilowatts since they [consumer] purchased power before consumption.
“We need to take steps to know why that law was passed in 2013 and what the framers of that section, what their thinking was.
“Interpretation-wise, what mischief were they trying to achieve? It is too vague,” he said.
Mr Mahama added that if the law could be circumvented individuals could calculate how much 30 kilowatt hours cost and buy the exact amount in their prepaid.
Again the Managing Director said if his outfit did not understand the rationale for the implementation, they might charge prepaid consumers based on price instead of consumption.
“If you are buying GH₵ 200, am I to charge the VAT on the GH₵200 and add it to the GH₵200 for you to pay that deposit? That means I am charging on price, I am not charging on consumption.
“Let's say the whole country was postpaid metered yes, you could try something like that because everybody consumes with that one, you consume, we read the meter then you [pay].
"But that is not the case. If you do this a certain group are going to be burdened others are not,” he said.
He stressed that if the ECG were to implement the directive from the Finance Ministry, a certain group would be overburdened while others would not pay the tax.
Meanwhile, he said there is a need for broad stakeholder consultation to discuss how the law is going to be implemented.
Latest Stories
-
3 Central Region MCEs intensify cholera control efforts after 5 deaths
2 mins -
Bawumia’s 12 ‘Bold Steps’ to expand educational opportunities for all
3 mins -
Mahama criticises NPP for accumulating energy debt to pass on to next NDC gov’t
4 mins -
Agromonti empowers Techiman farmers with sustainable agriculture training in CSR event
9 mins -
Ghanaians deserve certificates for enduring hardship under NPP – Mahama
9 mins -
AG’s office needs 1,500 public attorneys for proper discharge of functions – Godfred Dame
11 mins -
Court sentences man to life imprisonment for murdering girlfriend; daughter
26 mins -
Bawumia’s $80 bn value claim for Spotify, false – Dubawa
37 mins -
GBA President calls for transparent and fair December election
52 mins -
November 8 not a public holiday – Interior Ministry
54 mins -
Policies the Church can promote to ensure every birth by a congregant is wanted, not unintended
57 mins -
Next NPP government to build new AG offices in all regions – Godfred Dame
1 hour -
Why corporate leadership can no longer be silent on sustainability
1 hour -
The Keeper’s Music unveils Neyty with new single ‘Most High God’
1 hour -
Bawumia outlines 8 initiatives to create 4 million jobs for youth if elected president
2 hours