The Civil and Local Government Staff Association Ghana (CLOGSAG), says it will only reconsider its decision to demonstrate if government withdraws its letter concerning the implementation of the Value Added Tax (VAT) on electricity.
The Executive Secretary of the Association, Isaac Bampoe-Addo, emphasised that they expect the government to withdraw the letter, as per their demand, from now until February 13 when they plan to commence their demonstration.
Mr Bampoe-Addo’s remarks follow the Trades Union Congress (TUC) and 35 organised labour unions’ decision to embark on a demonstration on Wednesday, February 13 regarding the government’s refusal to concede their demand to withdraw the 15 per cent VAT imposed on electricity.
Speaking to JoyNews on Friday, he acknowledged that the government indeed sent a letter expressing its intention to engage in dialogue, but emphasised that it was based on certain conditions that the unions cannot accept.
Mr Bampoe-Addo insisted on an unconditional withdrawal before any discussions could take place.
“You cannot call us to come and talk and tell us that you intend to buy into this program, no. Unconditional withdrawal, and if you want us to talk, then we will talk.
“Sometimes we need to sacrifice for our future workers, and we are prepared to sacrifice for this,” he stated.
Responding to the potential economic impact if all workers intend to embark on a strike, the CLOGSAG Executive Secretary asserted, “This is a sacrifice we are ready to take because we cannot allow politicians to take us for a ride.
“You just get up, no dialogue, and then you throw this VAT on electricity, and you want us to accept it as if it is normal. No, we’re not going to take this thing any longer, no way,” he stressed.
Mr Bampoe-Addo clarified that they would not agree with the government on the implementation of the VAT, stating, “The only thing that can make us rethink our position – they should immediately withdraw the letter, that is it.”
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