The Vice President of Christian Service University (CSUC), Dr. Stephen Banahene says government should withdraw the proposed 1.5% electronic transaction levy since surveys and public opinion does not favor the policy introduction, Purefmonline.com reports.
The University Don speaking on ‘Pure Morning Drive’ with Kwame Adinkrah wondered why the policy is still under consultation when available data points to the unpopularity of it.
“You have almost all survey conducted by academics concluding in their findings that Ghanaians do not support the proposed e-levy so why should it be even part of the national discourse now? It should have been withdrawn by now. It should be withdrawn.” He said on Kumasi-based Pure FM on Thursday, March 17.
The recent ruling made by the Supreme Court on the approval for Deputy Speakers to vote on key decisions in parliament seems to be giving the indication that the government’s proposed tax on electronic transactions that has divided the August House for months will be passed sooner than expected.
The government has explained its reasons for the controversial Electronic Transaction Levy – thus, to raise enough domestic revenue to save what many describe as a distressed economy after the COVID-19 pandemic.
With a split parliament of 137 seats for both the ruling NPP and largest opposition NDC, an independent candidate who allied with the NPP and doubles as deputy Speaker is the only reason for a slim majority when parliament decides on the E-levy passage.
However, the ruling by the Supreme Court for Deputy Speakers to vote on key issues has increased the chances of the ruling NPP to win on the passage of the debated E-levy bill with or without the presence of the main Speaker, Alban Bagbin presiding if all the ruling NPP members are available in parliament on the day of voting.
Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu in a recent media interview remained tight-lipped on the government’s next approach but was optimistic the e-levy bill will be passed.
“If a woman stays long in the bathhouse, then obviously she is cleaning herself well,” he said in parables – to wit “we are working on it”.
Meanwhile, Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, a cousin of President Akufo-Addo has in a series of tweets on Thursday, March 17 proposed a national debate on whether Ghana should go back to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) or rely on the proposed Electronic Transaction levy (E-levy) noting that tough decisions confront Ghana.
“There should be a national debate: do we want IMF or E-Levy or both or none? Tough decisions confront Ghana.” Part of his tweets reads.
Source: Purefmonline.com II 2022
