The National Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Sammy Gyamfi, has intimated that Ghanaians are tired of paying E-levy.
Commenting on the demonstration, Sammy Gyamfi, who is also a leader of Arise Ghana pressure group indicated that all they care about is for the government to scrap what he termed as ‘thievery taxes’ such as the E-levy.
Mr. Gyamfi stated that although his party has promised to abolish the E-levy, Ghanaians cannot continue to pay until 2024 when the next general elections take place.
“We are tired of paying the E-levy, it is not a tax, it is thievery. We cannot continue to pay E-levy until 2024. For now, we are dying, we can’t wait till 2024. The E-levy must be scrapped now.”
Sammy Gyamfi
According to Sammy Gyamfi, they do not care whether the government will go to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) or not for support.
Give jobs to unemployed youth
Also commenting on the demonstration that took place, Deputy General Secretary for the NDC, Peter Boama Otukonor, urged President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to give jobs to the teeming unemployed youth to do if he wants his peace of mind.
According to Peter Otukunor, Ghanaians want the economy properly managed with prudent policies. He stated that until these are done, the pressure groups will continue to protest on the streets to express their disapproval.
“There is going to be change, if we don’t get the change under Akufo-Addo, we will get it under the NDC.”
Peter Otukonor
Mr. Otukonor who is also a member of the Arise Ghana pressure group added that the pressure group will demonstrate over and over until Akufo-Addo changes. He stated that if the President wants peace, he should change the way he is managing the economy.
“We want jobs, the people are clamoring for jobs, if you give them jobs, you will get peace. If he can’t rule the country he should resign.”
Peter Otukonor
Both comments followed the Arise Ghana demonstrations that took place on Tuesday June 28 and Wednesday June 29, 2022 to press home demands for the proper governance of the country.
The demonstration saw the members protesting for jobs, scrapping of taxes, demanding accountability from government amongst others.
Although the demonstrations commenced on a chaotic note, the second day had a peaceful outcome.
As a result, the Police indicated that they are grateful to the general public for their cooperation and understanding in spite of the inconvenience the demonstration undoubtedly caused them.
According to the Police, whilst it continues to register its disappointment at the riotous conduct of the demonstrators on the first day, it will commend the protestors for their comportment on the second day which they hope, would provide lessons for future occasions to help deepen the democratic practices as a country.
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