By Emmanuel Oti Acheampong
The General Secretary for the Ghana Federation of Labour, Abraham Koomson, has explained that the federation and people he represents are not against taxes but rather have problems with the number of taxes being brought up by the government.
After a long sitting in parliament on March 31, 2023, it was reported that three tax bills were passed into law which has raised lots of concerns and discussions among political enthusiasts and organized labours.
Appearing on GTV’s Breakfast Show on Monday, April 3, 2023, the General Secretary for the Ghana Federation of labour, a national trade union in Ghana, has expressed their concerns with regard to the new tax laws.
According to him, currently, Ghanaians and various industries and businesses are faced with over seventeen tax obligations. He referenced the current government’s comments they made when in opposition about what they termed nuisance taxes in the then Mahama led administration.
He maintained the federation’s stands of not being against taxes but mentioned that they are not in good faith with how the taxes came about. He stated that the government hoping over petitions made by the Association of Ghanaian Industries, Ghana Union of Traders Association and the likes to pass the bills was not in the right direction.
Mr. Koomson expressed fear about the number of people who are going to face layoffs in the coming weeks because of the numerous taxes imposed on industry players and businesses.
He also called for better engagement and management of issues relating to tax introductions in order to save workers from being laid off or the relocation of businesses from the country.
