Review taxes on fuel products – Atta Akyea to gov’t

The Chairman of Parliament’s Mines and Energy Committee, Samuel Atta Akyea has backed up calls for some taxes on fuel products to be reviewed.

According to him, the removal of those taxes is in the right order as it will have an overall effect on the reduction of fuel taxes and also help cushion the general citizenry crying foul over the incessant increment in the commodity.

Fuel prices in Ghana have been increased significantly in recent times with major Oil Marketing Companies selling Petrol at an average of GH¢9.70 and diesel at between GH¢9.99 and GH¢11.

Already, drivers in the country are planning are agitating for an increase in transport fares by more than 20% for a second time this month.

Commenting on the recent developments in an interview with Accra-based Citi News, Mr Atta Akyea said most of the taxes have outlived their usefulness and urged the Finance Minister, to review them.

“Some taxes were underpinned by the fact that crude oil prices may go low, and therefore we needed some money as back up in the event that it goes terrible for us. Now, the reasons for some taxes are redundant, like crude prices going up, and we will have some windfall, but these are the factors that will speak to him [Finance Minister]. It is about time we have a paradigm shift, given the new facts and the numbers.”

“If we get the refineries working hard, I’m sure within West Africa, people will come to refine their oil in Tema, and we will ultimately benefit,” he said.

Source: thenewsroomonline.com