The controversies surrounding the E-levy seems like an unending one as some Ghanaians have vowed never to use the electronic mobile money transfer process anymore.
Speaking in an interview with The Vaultz Media, some Ghanaians while sharing their views on the E-levy noted that it is an “outrageous” move by the government “which was not thought through properly”. According to them, the initiative sounds like a means of extorting money from the ordinary Ghanaian and due to this, they have decided not to use any form of mobile money transfer.
“When I hear about the E-levy, I get so angry because, I think it is a means the government is using to squeeze our hard-earned money from us. So, for me, I have decided not to use Momo anymore when that tax bill starts. Most of my friends have also decided on doing the same thing. I will look for other means to send money, even if I have to travel to give the person the money then so be it”.
Sabbah Mensah
“I sometimes find the way the government think and process what they should do funny at times. So, you met, and decided that ok let’s rob Peter to pay Paul. You scrap off toll booth and introduce E-levy and think we Ghanaians are some easy-going people so we will accept it? Well, for me I am not easy going and so I won’t let the government have my one pesewa because I won’t be partaking in that E-levy thing. I won’t be using my mobile money account anymore. If Ghanaians will just come together and decide not to use Momo, the government will now see how useless this E-levy is. They should have just maintained their toll booth tax”.
Kobby
E-levy is ‘demonic’- Concerned Ghanaians
Some section of concerned Ghanaians while speaking with The Vaultz Media, tagged the E-Levy tax as a “demonic” since it was coming from a “greedy” mindset. They explained that ever since the E-levy tax bill was brought up, it has brought nothing but chaos and ruckus in government. Citing the unfortunate brawl which occurred last year December among lawmakers in Ghana over the proposed tax on electronic transactions, they explained that it is only when some people decide to be greedy that the “spirit of contention comes in their mist”. They pleaded with the government to rethink its decision and bring up better policies that will help build the country.
“The E-levy tax that the government is trying to bring is a greedy means to make money off Ghanaians. Have you realized how this thing has caused so much problems? To the extent that it brought about a huge fight between people we call ‘the high and mighty’. I even feel this thing is demonic because its pure greediness”.
Edith
“Our government officials don’t think of us, they only think about what will benefit them. With this tax they will be collecting from us, in the long run, it will benefit them and not us, the lay Ghanaian. I just heard Bawumia has lunched an E-travel card for public officials to give them allowance when they travel. A huge misplaced priority, and it is our money they are going to use to foot for that allowance”.
Wassiyatu
“It’s as though our lawmakers want to add salt to injury. Already, we are bitterly complaining about the charges the telcos are taking from us when we make transactions. Now, you want us to incur more cost? That’s wickedness. Let’s ask them if they are happy with this decision they have presented us”.
Jean
Some Ghanaians Support E-levy
Meanwhile, a few Ghanaians who are in support of the E-levy noted that Ghanaians should stop looking at the tax bill from only a negative side. They argued that if the initiative goes on as planned, it will help build the “comfortable nation” Ghanaians have always lamented to have. According to them, it will also boost the economy and help the country to stop being dependent on other countries financially. They then admonished Ghanaians to have a rethink of mind and consider the e-levy as a means of developing the country.
“A lot of people have only fixed their minds on the negative, but if you think about it, it is a step in the right direction. This E-levy when accepted by Ghanaians, which I am hoping they do, will make the country a better one”.
Abdul
“Even though the E-levy sounds like a deal breaker for most Ghanaians, let us not rubbish it completely. I think the government should go back to their books, rethink the whole idea and present it in a better way to Ghanaians because I honestly don’t see it as a bad thing”.
Delphina
The nation has been divided on the proposed E-levy since Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, announced it in November 2021. While a fraction believes that the tax policy will generate revenue for the government to undertake developmental projects, others believe it will intensify the sufferings of citizens. With all these concerns raised and some stringent measures some Ghanaians are even proposing to take, this suggests that both telcos and the government might be making huge losses if they don’t come up with other means of collecting tax.
READ ALSO: E-levy: It’s all About the Money; What About the People? – Shatta Wale Queries Government
