By Politico staff writer
Nearly a week after the Ministry of Finance requested Orange mobile network to pay the sum of fifty six million seven hundred thousand, seven hundred four Leones eighty six cents (NLe 56,700,704.86) in license fees, the Public Relations Officer of company has told Politico that they were engaged in talks with the ministry to agree on a payment plan.
Mabel Mason wouldn’t be drawn on the details and the disposition of the ministry regarding the idea of paying the fees in phases
The Ministry of Finance in a letter dated 31st January 2023 refused the monthly payment of annual license and regulatory fees for the year 2023, noting that it cannot approve such despite an earlier agreement with the National Telecommunication Authority, the regulatory agency for telecommunications sector in Sierra Leone.
The letter urged Orange to “effect or cause to effect payment of the full amount of NLE 56,700,704.86 as per invoice issued for the payment of annual license and regulatory fees due government. Grateful if the said payment is made not later 3rd February 2023”.
However, Madam Mason noted that a payment plan to settle the annual license and regulatory fees has been a common practice between the regulator and mobile communication companies which she said is what the company also requested this time round.
A statement by the company noted that it has always demonstrated transparency in its corporate commitment to the government and other regulatory bodies.
“In 2022, the total tax paid by Orange Sierra Leone and its subsidiaries amounted to NLe 285 million and we have never defaulted on any of the tax obligations to the government.”
Copyright © 2023 Politico Online (08/02/23)
