A number of people interviewed in Kumasi on the effect of the Value Added Tax (VAT) on the cost of living in the country have either called for its complete withdrawal or a considerable reduction in the 17.5 percent rate.

Mr George Ayisi Boateng, Asafo GOIL Station Manager was of the view that the VAT should either be withdrawn of the tax percentage reduced to between 10 and 12 as a start-off point.

He said in Britain where VAT operates, the system applies mostly to exportables and luxury goods.

A beer distributor in Kumasi who wants to remain anonymous said the concept of the VAT as far as tax collection is concerned, is excellent but its implementation is the problem.

He was of the view that the whole system should have been implemented on a pilot scheme starting with some companies and extending it to cover others gradually.

Another worker who also wants to remain anonymous said the whole system should be abolish because majority of the people have objected to it. This he felt is the surest way to bring peace in the country.