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Cold store operators in Kasoa, located in the Awutu-Senya-East Municipality of the Central Region, have raised their voices against the government’s plan to impose a 15% Value Added Tax (VAT) on electricity consumption. In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), operators expressed strong dissatisfaction with the proposed tax, fearing its potential to cripple their businesses.
Mrs. Mary Danquah, a cold store operator with a postpaid meter at the Kasoa old market, highlighted that the cost of electricity was already high without the addition of the proposed tax. She revealed that her monthly electricity bill averaged Ghc1,500, and the introduction of the tax would force her to consider closing down her shop.
Another operator shared the burden of a GHS1,500 electricity bill every week, emphasizing the challenges they face in regulating power consumption without risking damage to their stored products. The operators vehemently opposed the proposed move and called on the government to reconsider, considering the potential adverse impact on their businesses.
Expressing their concerns, the operators highlighted the numerous taxes they already bear and urged the government to exercise consideration before imposing additional taxes on electricity, which could potentially jeopardize the viability of their enterprises.
Youth employees associated with these cold stores expressed their frustration, noting that the threat of business closures could result in unemployment for them. They appealed to the government to reconsider the decision to avoid exacerbating the unemployment situation in the country.
