In a strong critique of the government’s recent decision, independent presidential aspirant and former Trade and Industry Minister, Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, expressed his concerns over the imposition of a new Value Added Tax (VAT) on electricity consumers beyond the lifeline threshold. Kyerematen, the founder of the Movement For Change, took to social media to denounce the move, stating that burdening citizens with new taxes during existing economic challenges is untimely and unjustifiable. Amid the prevailing economic hardships faced by Ghanaians, Kyerematen stressed that every government policy, plan, or decision should focus on reducing the cost of living, doing business, stabilizing the exchange rate, and creating sustainable jobs for the youth. According to him, the imposition of VAT on electricity would fail to achieve any of these objectives and instead worsen the hardships experienced by ordinary Ghanaians. He pointed to his Great Transformational Plan (GTP) as a reliable roadmap to guide the nation towards achieving these objectives and more. The announcement of the VAT on electricity has triggered widespread condemnation from various groups and individuals, including the Trades Union Congress (TUC). Dr. Yaw Baah, the General Secretary of TUC, issued an ultimatum to the government, demanding the immediate withdrawal of the tax and emphasizing its detrimental impact on the livelihoods of ordinary Ghanaians, especially pensioners and low-income earners. During a press conference, Dr. Baah stressed that the impoverished population cannot afford the additional tax burden. He called on the government to retract the implementation of the proposed tax before January 31, 2024. Dr. Baah warned of organized labor’s readiness to take further action if the Finance Minister fails to instruct relevant agencies to withdraw the tax directive. Former President John Dramani Mahama also expressed his agreement with the criticisms. The government argues that the 15 percent VAT on electricity consumption is part of its COVID-19 recovery program, aimed at generating additional revenue. However, critics argue that such measures unfairly burden the most vulnerable segments of society. Source: Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0256336062

Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, who was vying for the flagbearer position in the New Patriotic Party, recently announced his withdrawal from the race. Apexnewsgh.com report The official statement, dated September 5, 2023, outlined his reasons for stepping back. One of the factors he highlighted was a perceived bias during the special delegates conference, which aimed to reduce the number of candidates from 10 to five. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana For publication please kindly contact us on 0256336062 or Email apexnewsgh@gmail.com  

Mr Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, a presidential hopeful representing the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), has expressed his belief that the party’s “break-the-eight” aspiration can be achieved by amassing approximately two million votes from the Ashanti Region. He emphasised that the realisation of this goal hinges on securing a substantial vote count from the Ashanti Region during the December 2024 general elections. Kyerematen outlined that the pivotal step towards this aim rests on the delegates’ decision during the upcoming super conference. He encouraged them to narrow down the field of presidential aspirants to five contenders for the November presidential primary. He underlined the importance of heeding the grassroots’ call for his leadership and urged the delegates to endorse his candidacy. During his visit to the Ashanti Region, Kyerematen interacted with party delegates as part of his tour. He acknowledged the competence of all aspirants in the race while highlighting the grassroots’ overwhelming support for his candidacy. Mr Kyerematen confidently asserted that, if elected, he is uniquely positioned to secure the coveted two million votes required for a successful 2024 general election campaign. He fervently called upon the party delegates participating in the super conference to unite in electing him, as this would substantially contribute to realizing the set electoral target. In a show of support, Nana Afrani Okesse, the Paramount Chief of Ejisu in the Ashanti Region, urged Mr Kyerematen to stand unwavering in his determination to lead the party. Nana Afrani Okesse encouraged him to remain focused, emphasizing a belief that Kyerematen’s leadership has been appointed by a higher power. He said the narrative underscores Kyerematen’s vision for achieving the “break-the-eight” objective, illustrating his campaign efforts in the Ashanti Region and highlighting the significant backing he enjoys from grassroots supporters and influential figures within the party. Source: Classfmonline