The Energy Ministry defends the new one cedi tax on power bills without setting an end date. Richmond Rockson works as the ministry spokesperson and spoke on TV3 Saturday. He said government wants to fix major problems before deciding when the tax stops. Deep money troubles plague Ghana's electricity system and need immediate attention. Officials refuse to rush into promises about removing the tax later.
Power companies demand over 1.75 billion dollars from the government right away. Ghana burns expensive liquid fuels that cost 1.2 billion dollars each year for electricity. The Electricity Company of Ghana and Ghana Grid Company face serious financial struggles. Workers could not do major repairs for two years because money ran out. These companies operate old equipment that breaks down often.
President John Dramani Mahama promises citizens will see exactly how tax money gets spent. Public reports will show where every cedi goes from the new energy tax. The previous energy tax money went to pay pensions instead of fixing power problems. Government officials plan to use new funds only for electricity debt payments and gas projects. Citizens can expect regular updates about progress made with their tax contributions.
Power companies demand over 1.75 billion dollars from the government right away. Ghana burns expensive liquid fuels that cost 1.2 billion dollars each year for electricity. The Electricity Company of Ghana and Ghana Grid Company face serious financial struggles. Workers could not do major repairs for two years because money ran out. These companies operate old equipment that breaks down often.
President John Dramani Mahama promises citizens will see exactly how tax money gets spent. Public reports will show where every cedi goes from the new energy tax. The previous energy tax money went to pay pensions instead of fixing power problems. Government officials plan to use new funds only for electricity debt payments and gas projects. Citizens can expect regular updates about progress made with their tax contributions.
