A Ghanaian bill seeking to impose increased levies on international calls and data transmission has been withdrawn by the government for further consultation.
The bill was first passed in 2008, but is being reviewed to amend some aspects of the law. The amendments will also help tackle the loopholes that currently exist in communications legislation.
Lawmakers and ICT players are however advising the government not to go ahead with the review, which will put more burden on subscribers, reported Ghana News Agency.
According to those opposing the bill, its passage would increase taxes on telecoms subscribers, who already pay tax on all call minutes, by 100 per cent.
The government is however supporting its claim by insisting that every month the country loses GHC45 million (US$2.2 million) as a result of irregularities and fraudulent acts in the telecoms sector.
It is therefore proposing a fee of six cents on every minute of calls originating from outside Ghana.
