Consumer Protection Agency Commends Gov’t On The Extension Of Utility & Water Reliefs
The Consumer Protection Agency (CPA) has commended the Akufo-Addo-led government for extending the free water and electricity reliefs for the Next Three Months.
President Akufo-Addo in April announced that the government will absorb the water and electricity bills of all Ghanaians for the months of April, May, and June as part of measures to mitigate the impacts of Covid-19 on Ghanaians.
Finance Minister, Ken Ofori Atta presenting the 2020 mid-year budget review on Thursday, announced the government’s decision to extend the provision for the next three months.
In a statement copied to Peacefmonline, CPA commends the government’s decision to extend the Reliefs on Electricity and Water supply to Consumers and the reduction of CST to 5% in these difficult and trying times in the wake of COVID-19 in our country.
“The announcements of these Reliefs by the Minister of Finance in the budget reading is seen by the CPA as a good gesture and measure to help mitigate the effects of the Covid-19 on Consumers of Water and Electricity in the country,” portion of the statement read.
read the full statement below;
THE CONSUMER PROTECTION AGENCY (CPA) COMMENDS GOVERNMENT ON THE EXTENSION OF RELIEFS ON UTILITY SERVICES FOR 3 MORE MONTHS AND THE REDUCTION IN CST TO 5%.
The Consumer Protection Agency (CPA) commends government’s decision to extend the Reliefs on Electricity and Water supply to Consumers and the reduction of CST to 5% in these difficult and trying times in the wake of COVID- 19 in our country.
Water supply to our homes that was made free for the months of March, April and May 2020 has been further extended by 3 months. Government should see to water-tanker distribution services, for all to benefit from the bailout in the fight against Covid-19.
On Electricity Supply, the finance minister announced that, Electricity has been made free for Consumers who have an average monthly consumption of 50 KWA and below (Lifeline Consumers) and 50% reduction as a relief for Residential and Commercial consumers who consume electricity within the lifeline limit.
The announcements of these Reliefs by the Minister of finance in the budget reading is seen by the CPA as a good gesture and measure to help mitigate the effects of the COVID -19 on Consumers of Water and Electricity in the country.
The Communication service tax, that was revised in October 2019 to 9% has been reduced to 5%.
This decision would help bring down the cost of data and phone calls across the telcos. This we entreat the telcos to reduce their prices to reflect the new charges as announced by the finance minister.
We urge all implementing agencies and operators mandated to ensure that the category of Consumers who are to enjoy these Reliefs as announced by the Finance Minister does so without any discrepancies and anomalies. We also wish to indicate that if there are any set procedures, guidelines, or information meant for beneficiary Consumers within the stated tariff classes these agencies should make them publicly available.
We are asking Consumers who believe they might not be enjoying the Reliefs as stipulated should contact our office on the following numbers 026 -815-0309, 0302 -737-205 or on our Social Media Handles (Twitter @ConsumersGh and on our Facebook Page: Consumer Protection Agency Ghana Benjamin Akoto.
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