The Convention People’s Party (CPP) has expressed dismay about the implementation of the electronic transactions levy (E-Levy) which it described as a tax on savings of the people which has never been seen before.
According to the CPP, the E-Levy is only going to erode the financial gains of the already struggling workers of Ghana and is more surprised that the NPP government chose May 1, being a Workers’ Day, to implement what it described as the “punitive tax system of E-Levy”.
“This is the first time the CPP has encountered a tax system that goes after the savings of the citizenry. It is incongruous and unbelievable, and such a level of insensitivity by the government cannot be comprehended by the Convention Peoples Party (CPP), an unfortunate situation indeed”.
CPP
The CPP stated in a press statement that “it is time for all of us to come together to put our shoulders to the wheel and ensure that Ghana is delivered from the depth of deprivation and poverty”, highlighting the difficulties many Ghanaians currently face. The CPP, prior to the implementation of the E-levy, stated that it would not have recommended the levy if it were in power because it would have made judicious use of the country’s resources.
Come up with a better plan to industrialize Ghana
The Convention People’s Party (CPP), in the statement, charged the government of Ghana to come up with a better plan to industrialize the nation with the view to creating jobs for the teeming unemployed and underemployed youth in the country. The Party underscored that Ghana deserved better, and all her citizenry deserved more from the government.
In the statement signed by the General Secretary, Nana Yaa Jantuah, the party asked the government to be accountable to Ghanaians in terms of the management of the nation’s financial and natural resources.
The Convention People’s Party commended the hardworking members of the Ghanaian Labor front for their contributions to the development of the nation.
“Our dear Comrades you have worked so hard, all these years with a lot of sacrifices to ensure that the wheels of growth do not come to a halt, your dedication is unsurpassable and your love for our dear Nation is unprecedented.
“Ghana is the best. Without your dedication and hard work, this country would not have achieved its goals and agenda of making sure that this country is working to the benefit of all”.
CPP
The statement indicated that the CPP is proud to be associated with the labor front, as its biggest support base had been the working class in this country “and through your support, the CPP chalked a lot of successes in the past”.
Labor Front deserves better
The CPP, however, highlighted that the Labor Front deserves better and there is the need to ensure that employers, especially government, provide the needed amenities, incentives and commensurate remuneration that befits the effort and hard work being put in by the Ghanaian worker.
Organized Labor is asking for a 20% increase in living wage to cushion the workers due to the rising energy and food prices, as well as general cost of living in the country.
The President, in his address during the May Day celebration, stated that the Single Spine Salary Structure is being reviewed and he believes the best recommendations will be made for the way forward. This was a response to the call by Organized Labor for the total overhaul of the policy.
President Akufo-Addo however, urged labor to work hard to increase productivity in the country so as to make it possible for government to increase salaries, and provide the basis for paying a ‘Living Wage’.
READ ALSO: Injunction Against E-levy Implementation Dismissed By SC