Assembly members across the country have raised alarm over what they describe as unauthorised tax deductions from their GH¢1,300 monthly allowance, despite clear directives from the sector minister forbidding such cuts by Municipal, Metropolitan and District Assemblies (MMDAs).
Speaking in an interview with Accra-based Onua News, the President of the Ghana Association of Assembly Members, Frank Ackah Nelson, revealed that “about 70% of our members are yet to receive the allowance.”
He added that the issue has been further compounded by varying tax deductions imposed by different assemblies.
“There are some issues on the payment. Some taxes are being deducted from the allowance. Other assemblies do not take the taxes, so some assembly members have rejected the money,” he noted.
Mr. Nelson expressed concern about the inconsistency, saying, “The Minister said there should be no tax deductions, but some are deducting 20% tax, others are deducting 10%, while others are not deducting any tax.”
He clarified that members are not opposed to paying tax but demand uniformity.
“We are not saying they should not deduct any tax, but we want a uniform one. We want the Minister to come out to explain what percentage of tax should be deducted,” he pleaded.
Calling for a clear legislative framework to address the situation, Mr. Nelson urged that the payment be streamlined through proper channels.
“It should be backed by an LI. It should be paid into our accounts. It should not be paid on the tabletop,” he stressed.
