Organized Labour have announced a decision to embark on a nationwide strike on February 13, 2024, against government’s introduction of 15 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT) imposed on electricity.
This follows the government’s disregard for their requests to eliminate the tax, which they believe will only add to the already economic challenges facing them.
Addressing the media on Friday, February 2, General Secretary of Trades Union Congress (TUC), Dr. Anthony Yaw Baah, disclosed by Tuesday, if government still remain adamant, they will go ahead with the demonstration which will be held across the 16 Regional Capitals of the country.
“The VAT that government has imposed on electricity consumers, we decided not to agree so we gave government up to January 31 to withdraw the decision and that if they had not, we would advise ourselves. So, this afternoon, our issue is that on February 13, all Ghanaians will come together and demonstrate across the Regional Capitals of the 16 Regions of Ghana.
“Ghana workers, both formal and informal, in both the public and private sector, have decided to demonstrate in all regional capitals. From Accra to Bolgatanga,” he warned.
He did, however, add that the government should withdraw the decision by Tuesday, February 13, if it does not want the unions to demonstrate.
“If government does not want us to go ahead with the demonstration, then they should withdraw the letter. If they do not by February 13, then nothing will stop us. All Ghanaians will come out and show government that we will not pay. This country is ours and we have said we do not want any VAT on electricity.”