MP says talk time tax be used to keep Ghana clean

Accra, Feb. 13, GNA - A Member of Parliament on Wednesday has asked that a percentage of the proposed talk time tax on mobile phone use be set aside to clean up the country.

"Given the enormity of the problem of sanitation in our communities, a greater percentage of the proposed airtime tax be voted to the waste management sector in order not only to meet the prime motive of sustaining the National Youth Employment scheme, (NYEP) but to also realise the dream of cleanliness that undoubtedly leads to godliness," Madam Elizabeth Agyemang, NPP member for OforiKrom, said in a statement commending Zoomlion on the floor of the House. "I wish to also suggest that the issue of providing of tax incentives for waste management companies be given a second look," she said.

The MP said the past year and this one had seen the arrival of many visitors into the country for various occasions ranging from the Golden Jubilee celebrations, the African Union Summit and the Ghana 2008 that saw Zoomlion at their best in keeping the place clean. "Since the emergence of the company, Zoomlion has not only approached waste management issues professionally, but has equally focused on delivering quality waste management solutions that rely on current technical innovations."

"Zoomlion provides employment to many Ghanaians ranging from skilled to unskilled labour. The company in collaboration with NYEP has provided employment to about 9,000 youth so far," Madam Agyemang said. Mr Paul Okoh, (NPP-Asutifi North), said the proposed airtime tax should not be politicised but discussions on its usefulness should be approached in a non-partisan way because proceeds from the tax could go along way to management waste and create employment.

Mr Joseph Yieleh Chireh (NDC-Wa West) said the Zoomlion, as a local company which had employed lots of people, had set an example worth emulating.

Mr Hackman Owusu Agyemang, (NPP-New Juaben North) called for the banning of polythene bags and said Ghanaians should live responsibly by keeping their surroundings clean.