Ghana’s Parliament has approved a tax waiver equivalent to €1,517,040.00 in local currency, paving the way for the installation of cutting-edge e-learning laboratories in senior high schools nationwide.
This exemption, presented by Hon. Abena Osei-Asare, Minister of State at the Ministry of Finance, aligns with Article 174 (2) of the Constitution and the House’s Standing Orders.
The Finance Committee, tasked with reviewing the request, engaged in thorough deliberations with key stakeholders, including Education Minister Yaw Osei Adutwum, Deputy Education Minister Professor Kingsley Nyarko, and officials from the Ministries of Finance and Education, as well as the Ghana Revenue Authority.
The committee drew on various documents, including the 1992 Constitution, the Public Financial Management Act, and the Commercial Contract between the Government of Ghana and Televic Group N.V.
The Integrated E-Learning Laboratories Project is a flagship initiative aimed at revolutionizing education delivery through the integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
Building on the successful completion of Phase I, which equipped 240 senior high schools with fully functional ICT laboratories, the government is now embarking on Phase II, targeting 175 schools nationwide.
To finance this project, Parliament previously approved a Credit Agreement with KBC Bank NV of Belgium, amounting to €3,866,425.20, including a Credendo ECA insurance premium of €272,425.20.
Additionally, the government entered into a Commercial Contract Agreement with Televic Group N.V. for €11,594,000.00 to execute Phase II of the project.
Clause 14.1 of the General Conditions of the Contract Agreement mandates the State to secure tax exemption, which would otherwise require reimbursement of taxes and duties paid by the contractor.
By granting this tax waiver, Parliament has demonstrated its commitment to supporting the government’s efforts to enhance education delivery and promote ICT integration in senior high schools across Ghana.
