The Director of Elections for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Evans Nimako, has revealed that the contribution and payment of taxes by Ghanaians is the only way the government can help the country develop.
According to him, it is not prudent for government to persistently take loans from the IMF especially considering the terms under which government would be required to pay back. Mr Nimako explained that if government wants to get it right, then it must move from its comfort zone in actualizing the possibilities inherent in the contributions of the e-levy. Mr Nimako noted that it is imperative for government to communicate to the “good people of Ghana that it is for each and every one to contribute”.
“Elsewhere, where we are looking for getting support in terms of loans, it is coming to us from the taxes they contribute. I have said a number of times that we all have difficulties seeing that it is not comfortable (paying taxes including e-Levy) but that is the only way for us to develop. Do you want the conditionalities imposed on us under John Mahama and Prof Atta Mills?”
Evans Nimako
The NPP’s Director of Elections expressed that despite many suggestions and different options offered, including applying for loans, the government’s economic management team believes that generating revenue is a better option in ensuring funds are raised for development. He intimated that the e-levy being introduced will help widen the tax net and rope in the informal sector.
Townhall meetings on e-levy
Following the opposition to the e-levy and its rejection by the minority in parliament, the government has over the period embarked on some Town Hall meetings to enlighten Ghanaians on the need for the levy. The purpose of the meetings has been to educate the populace on the advantages the E-levy Bill will bring to Ghanaians when passed. Government has indicated that revenues generated would be used to address the infrastructural challenges, unemployment among others.
Commenting on this, Mr. Nimako reckoned that following the town hall meetings, many Ghanaians, under the circumstance, are coming to terms with the fact that the country needs to find solutions to development by itself. That notwithstanding, he explained that the government still needs to continue to properly enlighten the public on the e-Levy especially those still opposed to its implementation.
“So, for us as New Patriotic Party, we support the government to come out with an arrangement that will ensure a home base solution for us to have plans to support our local development and transforming the lives of people”.
Evans Nimako
On February 14, 2022, the Strategic Thinkers Network Africa (Stranek-Africa) called on government to slow down on its townhall meetings for the e-levy after disclosing the cost involved in holding the meeting. Contained in a statement, Stranek-Africa revealed that the government is spending too much and that the monies can be saved and put to other uses.
“When we take a closer look at the cost of venue, publicity, fuel for Ministers of State, accommodation, transportation for participants, the media, branding of the venue, refreshment et cetera, it is estimated at GH₵ 89,400 per town hall meeting according to our research. Little drops of water they say, makes an ocean, hence, those monies could be saved to resolve the lingering financial issues facing the country which seems to rise day after day”.
Strategic Thinkers Network Africa
READ ALSO: UK: Queen Elizabeth II Tests Positive for Covid-19, Experiences Mild Cold-Like Symptoms
