Customers of AirtelTigo will from today November 2, 2018, pay more for some services they enjoy due to the five percent adjustment on tariffs by Telecom Companies operating in Ghana.
The tariff modification has become necessary following the implementation of the new tax laws – VAT (ACT 970), NHIL (ACT 971) and GETFL (ACT 972).
A statement issued on behalf of Telecom companies by Mr Kenneth Ashigbey, Chief Executive Officer, Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, said MTN, Vodafone and AirtelTigo, “who are responsible corporate entities, would comply fully with Ghana’s laws and ensure the distinction between VAT and the new levies emanating from their separate origins and basis in law”, adding that: “As intended, the incidence of the two new levies will, thus, be on consumers and will result in the increase of the cost of telecommunication services”.
The telcos, AirtelTigo, MTN, and Vodafone, earlier announced they are adjusting their tariffs upwards due to the VAT recalibration announced in the Mid Year Budget Review.
The government as part of the budget review in July separated the National Health Insurance Fund Levy and the GETFund component from the old 17.5% Value Added Tax (VAT) regime, thereby making the two components straight levies of 2.5 percent each.
Justifying the decision by the Telcos, the CEO of the Ghana telecommunications Chamber, Ken Ashigbey said its members— AirtelTigo, MTN, and Vodafone have no option than to pass on the impact of the newly recalibrated VAT, NHIL and GETFUND regime to consumers in order to stay competitive.
“The Telcos are just applying the law as was passed in August. Basically what is happening is that as intended the impact of those two levies will thus be on the consumer and will evolve to an increase in the cost of telecommunication service,” he said.
Below is a breakdown of the new tariffs for AirtelTigo customers
You May Also Like: MTN aiming to be Africa’s biggest bank
