A €1.5 million tax exemption has been approved by Parliament for the purchase and setup of integrated e-learning laboratories in senior high schools.
For phase two of the initiative, which aims to integrate ICT in education to boost learning, the government and Televic Group N.V. signed a €11.5 million commercial deal.
The project’s aim is to optimise, improve, and support the delivery of education by integrating ICT.
Citing the advantages for the educational sector and socioeconomic gains, the Finance Committee, presided over by legislator Patrick Yaw Boamah of Okaikwei Central, recommended approval.
“The benefits of the educational sector, how the educational sector has started to gain as well as the immense socio-economic benefits to be derived, the committee is satisfied that the request is in the right direction.”
“The committee, therefore, recommends to the House for the adoption of this report and approve the request as earlier stated for the sum of €1,517,040 for the supply and installation of integrated e-learning laboratories in senior high schools.”
The Minority Leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, supported the waiver, noting that while the opposition is generally against tax waivers, this specific case is justified as it supports the education sector and benefits the country.
“Mr. Speaker, often the impression is created that we are against tax waivers. Yes, we are against the principles of waiving taxes, but certain tax waiving and certain taxes are important. Mr Speaker, these are schools where the country is buying ICT equipment such as laptops, and desktop computers to assist in learning.”