Rapper, Sarkodie, has opined that he does not believe Ghanaians are kicking against the proposed Electronic Transaction Levy (E-Levy) because it is “bad”.
The ‘Happy day’ rapper explained that many are not in support of the levy because they do not get to enjoy the benefits that come with paying taxes, unlike other people who live in Western countries.
According to Sarkodie, he pays taxes outside the borders of Ghana but he does not complain because he and other taxpayers see the impact of their taxes. He stated that there are systems in place and avenues available to taxpayers to earn more.
“I pay a lot of taxes outside and I don’t complain because I’m using avenues they made available to make money (it’s only right) it’s not the same here and that’s why we complain not because the ‘E Levy’ is bad. When you broke, a harmless ‘good morning’ can sound like a tease”.
Sarkodie
Sarkodie’s views generated a lot of mixed reactions as some noted that his latter comments were unnecessary. Others also agreed with him as they pointed out that if the government will develop the country with the money they will acquire from the tax, then they will be willing to pay.
Sarkodie made known his view of the levy when a fan asked to know his point of view after many creative industry players shared their disapproval of the levy. Among them included Shatta Wale, Lydia Forson, and a host of others.
Shatta Wale, for instance, noted that the leaders in the country are being insensitive to the plight of Ghanaians with the introduction of the bill.
In a video posted online, he said: “right now you people make the thing look like, if you get the opportunity and get your chance, and come into power you can take any decision you want. Think about human beings”.
The ‘Melissa’ crooner further noted that it is understandable for governments to want citizens to pay taxes, however, the people cannot be overburdened especially when they have no systems in place to ease the economic pressures on them.
Kwaw Kese also voiced out that the E-levy tax bill “does not make sense”. According to him, if he was in power, he would have sacked several government officials because he doesn’t think they are managing the affairs of the country properly.
Kwesi Pee is the latest industry player to oppose the E-levy tax bill. According to the Highlife musician, the controversial E-levy should not be passed because it simply does not make sense.
Speaking in an interview, the singer said: “If we are going to talk about the E-levy, we are going to need a whole day. However, I think it’s a little bit too much. I also think it needs to be scrapped because it doesn’t make sense”.
The introduction of the electronic levy has generated a lot of conversation among citizens and even public figures. The topic has been the topic of discussion for weeks. Parliamentarians have gone back and forth in parliament over the passing of the e-levy. Ghanaians have also expressed their dissatisfaction with the e-levy with some averring that they will stop using the mobile money transfer apps.
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