Government has announced an increment in the communication service tax from 6 per cent to 9 per cent.

The Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, who announced this in Parliament on Monday says the increment is aimed at creating a viable technology ecosystem, to among other things, identify and combat cybercrime.

The ecosystem, when created, will also protect users of information technology and combat money laundering and other financial crimes.

Budget Review

The budget review saw the withdrawal of taxes on luxury vehicles, a policy which was implemented last year amidst criticisms from the opposition NDC.

The Minister of Finance said they had to listen to the opinions of Ghanaians much of it was against the luxury tax.

Even though government withdrew the luxury tax, it went ahead to increase the Communication tax.

“The Communication Service Tax (CST) was introduced in 2008 at an ad valorem rate of six percent.

The tax is levied on charges payable by consumers for the use of communication services. Government proposes to increase the tax to nine percent…,” he said.

According to Mr Ofori-Atta, the increase will not be earmarked, however, the sharing ratio will be adjusted in such a manner that the national youth employment programmes continue to receive the same proportions as they are currently receiving.