Deputy Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has revealed that government will be transparent in its accountability on the e-levy.
According to him, the newly introduced levy, by the government will ensure transparency and accountability on proceeds accrued from the levy when passed. Mr Markin explained that the government has shown a track record of introducing taxes for beneficial purposes.
Following this, Mr Markin called on Ghanaians to support the Electronic Transaction Levy also known as the E-levy for a smooth passage in Parliament next week.
“The government will be very transparent in its accountability on the E-levy. If the tax policy is passed and the unemployed youth are given jobs, then you will realize that we have been truthful and you all know government has the track record of introducing taxes for useful purposes”.
Alexander Afenyo-Markin
Mr Markin revealed that the ruling government has proven its ability to properly utilize revenue generated from taxes. He explained that the levy was introduced to create jobs and fix roads, hence Ghanaians should fully support it.
“Even the onset of the pandemic and its challenges did not lead to the scrapping of our social intervention programmes. There are past governments that did not utilize revenue raised from taxes, but the NPP administration is not one of them. So, this is a tax that must be passed to fix roads and create jobs. There will be enormous benefits. It has happened before, so all Ghanaians should support us”.
Alexander Afenyo-Markin
Minority caucus opposes e-levy
The Minority Caucus in Parliament have iterated its decision to oppose the implementation of the e-levy when it returns to the House next week. It insists that the levy is an “insensitive” policy that will burden Ghanaian businesses.
Meanwhile, the MP for Madina, Francis-Xavier Sosu, has warned of a nationwide boycott of electronic transactions if the controversial Electronic Transactions Bill (E-Levy,) which is currently before Parliament, is passed into law.
Contained in a tweet, Mr. Sosu stated that “like E-Levy, this government has always neglected to engage stakeholders before implementation of major policies hence their failure. Even if E-levy passes which I doubt, the widespread nationwide boycotts of momo and e-transactions will only lead to another shameful u-turn.”
However, Member of Parliament for Nyiaeso, Dr Stephen Amoah has challenged the Minority’s position to resisting the Electronic Transaction Levy (E-Levy). He noted that the e-levy will be passed barring all opposition.
“Whatever they [Minority] want to do, we will pass it… We will pass it at the right time. They can’t do anything”.
Dr Stephen Amoah
Reacting to the opposition by the minority, Dr Amoah emphasized that his side of the House may not even need the NDC MPs to make the tax proposal a reality.
“We are in government, if they claim it will make us unpopular why won’t they stop. They know this is going to transform and change the lives of Ghanaians”.
Dr Stephen Amoah
Currently, discussions on the controversial E-levy Bill, have been slated for next week. Prior to this announcement, all 275 Members of Parliament were hoping to conclude deliberations on the Bill, when Parliament resumed on Tuesday, January 25.
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