Parliament approves €1.5m waiver for SHS e-learning laboratories

Parliament has approved a tax waiver of €1.5 million for the supply and installation of integrated e-learning laboratories in Senior High Schools.

This follows an €11.5 million commercial contract between the government and Televic Group N.V. for phase two of the project, aimed at integrating ICT in education to enhance learning.

The purpose of the project is to integrate I.C.T in education to support, enhance and optimise the delivery of education.

The Finance Committee, chaired by Okaikwei Central legislator Patrick Yaw Boamah, recommended the approval, citing the benefits to the educational sector and socio-economic benefits.

“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.”