Prof. Nii Narku Quaynor, a founding member of the Computer Science Development at the University of Cape Coast, has cautioned government not to impose taxes on the use of internet.
He intimated that internet must be free devoid of taxes noting that taxing internet service affects a country’s development.
Currently, mobile phone users are paying a 9% levy for communication services.
The Communication Service Tax (CST) was previously set for 6% however, it was raised to 9% during the presentation of the 2019 Mid-year Budget Review by the Finance Minister.
Speaking to Kasapa Fm’s Beatrice Akua Asare, at the maiden edition of the Ghana Internet Conference in Accra, Prof. Nii Narku Quaynor appealed to telcos and government to at least absorb the taxes to cushion customers.
The conference organized by the Ghana Internet Service Providers Association (GISPA) was to throw light on the development, challenges and opportunities in the internet industry globally and locally.
The conference was under the theme: Global Internet Development Lessons for Local ISPS for Business Growth and Affordable Internet Provision.
Delivering his welcome address, President of GISPA, Mr. Richard Densu, expressed the belief that the world has become much more visible to everyone because of the internet.
He said today’s internet is giving an unprecedented opportunity to people of all ages to choose what they want, socialize and promote business.
“It is significant to note that the internet comes with some challenges including the issues of cyber threats, personal security and safety of governments. That is why it is important that we as industry players lead the way in creating platforms such as this, so that we can all come around the table to discuss how we can make the services we provide better for our customers.
Mr. Densu indicated that GISPA will in the coming months facilitate such conferences on regular basis.
“This Ghana Conference will become our annual calendar event which we anticipate will get bigger in the coming years. For those of you who are hearing GISPA for the first time, we are an association of all major internet service providers in Ghana.
Our mandate, among others, include the involvement in shaping public policy and advocacy in ensuring that we are able to influence policies that are made to regulate the internet industry. GISPA also runs the Ghana Internet exchange which is a facility that keeps Ghanaian Internet traffic in Ghana”, he said
Mr. Densu explained further that the Exchange allows local internet service providers and Network Operators to easily exchange traffic within Ghana while at the same time improving the connectivity and services for their customers.