E-LEVY AND NOTHING ELSE; IMF CAN NEVER BE AN OPTION – KEN OFORI-ATTA
The Minister for Finance, Ken Ofori Atta has strenuously asserted the government position on the issue of the E-levy which is yet to be approved by the 8th parliament of Ghana. He has insisted that the age of plunging international bodies for financial support is over and can’t be an option considering the ramifications the country will have to endure afterwards.
“…I can tell you we are not going back to IMF; whatever we do we are not going back. The consequences are dire, we are a proud Nation, we have that capacity, don’t let anybody tell you otherwise,” as said by the Minister.
He explains that the country has the capacity to manage its affairs to generate revenue for development without any external support. The available resources and avenues within the country if regulated accordingly will change the outlook of the economy.
In his statement, he admonished Ghanaians to look within themselves and redefine their capabilities in making the country self-reliant. “..we are not people of short-sight, we need to move on,” he added.
The Electronic Levy which is before parliament for approval has seen strong opposition from the
Minority in parliament who believes it is untenable considering the state of the economy coupled with the
many nuisance taxes imposed by this government which has brought several hardships upon Ghanaians.
Currently, the Government through the Information Ministry is on the mission of sensitising the citizens
through town Hall Meetings within the various Regions on the relevance of the E-Levy and also seeking their opinion in that regard. The feedback is envisaged to guide them in the implementation of the E-Levy if approved by Parliament.
The President of the Republic, H.E Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo has also added his voice by pleading with Ghanaians to accept the idea of the E-Levy because it is necessary and it is the only way. Other relevant stakeholders have shared their opinion on this controversial issue with some supporting it and some being against it.
The E-Levy if passed will see a 1.75% deduction on all Electronic transactions above GHS 100.
