1.75% E-Levy Remains... - Deputy Finance Minister Says Govt Not Backing Down

Despite the Minority's insistence that the 1.75 percent E-levy should be reduced, government seems adamant.

The Deputy Finance Minister, John Kumah says the rate remains same following an agreement between government and the Telcos.

National Democratic Congress (NDC) as a party, together with the Minority Caucus in Parliament, have strongly resisted the E-Levy; and the latter has even resolve to vote against it whenever it is brought to Parliament.

They argue the tax is obnoxious and would bring untold hardship on Ghanaians and reverse the gains made by the country’s march towards a cashless society.

The Minority hold the position that government could acquire the GH¢6.9 billion it seeks to raise through the imposition of E-levy by other means such as reducing the number of its appointees, cutting down on some of its luxurious expenditures and also seal the revenue leakages in the system without necessarily taxing the people.

But speaking in an interview on Peace FM's morning show 'Kokrokoo', he indicated that the Telcos have agreed to reduce their charges and so instead of paying an overall charge of 3.75, Ghanaians will now pay 3.5%.

"The rate remains the same but the reduction will come from the telcos. The overall impact of 3.75 is now 3.5; they've reduced it at their end to lessen the burden on Ghanaians," he indicated.

E-levy, Panacea To Our Economic Problems???

Reacting to claims that it seems government can't run the economy without E-levy, the Deputy Minister said:

"We've not said we can't run the economy without e-levy...E-levy won't solve all our problems but it will help in the construction of roads, youth employment and also reduce borrowing...and so I don't know why the NDC is opposing it. It's nothing strange."

Source: Peacefmonline.com