The Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications has asked consumers to remain calm as it negotiates on the implementation of the communication service tax (CST).
Speaking at the Ghana internet conference, CEO of the Chamber Ken Ashigbey assured consumers they will not be shortchanged.
The implementation of the communication service tax in October has generated a lot of conversation in the last few days.
The Communication Ministry warned telecommunications companies of a forfeiture of their license if they continued with the upfront deduction of the 9 percent tax.
But CEO of the Chamber, Ken Ashigbey says the directive requires a stakeholder engagement.
“We are engaging the Finance Ministry, Communications Ministry and the NCA and definitely, we all will work to ensure that government gets its revenue. So for now, let’s leave the conversation for the regulator and the policy makers and exercise calm, we will definitely come out with a joint communiqué at the appropriate time”, he assured.
Meanwhile, president of the Ghana Internet Service Providers Association (GISPA), Richard Bentum called for collaboration among providers.
He said “I think that we as service providers should come together and collaborate to ensure viability. We are paying so much and if we come together to form a strong body, we can do more through partnerships and strong bonds”.
A regulatory administrator at the National Communication Authority, Alfred Gaisie, assured the players of an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
“We as the regulator will continue engaging the players on how best to provide an environment that supports business growth.”
The conference was on the theme, global internet development, lessons for local ISPs for business growth and affordable internet provision.
By Grace Hammoah Asare/3fm/3news.com