The Minority in Parliament has reiterated its stiff opposition to the E-levy and that the side stands united at every level against introduction of the tax.
According to the Caucus, imposition of an E-levy will inflict hardship on the core poor of the Ghanaian population because it is punitive and will rather undermine the quest for digital growth and tax transactions.
“We stand opposed to the E-levy and as I indicated earlier you don’t tax capital, you tax income and revenue.”
“So Mr. Speaker, on the issue of E-levy, we are unable to support government and would continue to oppose it and oppose it in its entirety, and in its character now at the threshold GH¢100 at 1.75%.”
“We will stand with the Ghanaian people just as the people of Cameroon have done, in raising fundamental objections to it,” Minority leader Haruna Iddrisu stated.
The Minority leader raised objection to the E-levy yet again on Tuesday during presentation of the Business statement for the week.
Deputy Speaker Joseph Osei-Owusu who presided over business for the day admitted receiving a letter from Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, on modifications to the 2022 budget statement and economic policy of the government and proceeded to lay it at the request of the Minority leader.
Speaking to the letter, Haruna Iddrisu stressed the Minority has been a very responsible opposition, and therefore engaged with government appreciating that fiscal consolidation is important to save the country and the economy from the dire paralysis threatening the economy.
According to him, the Minority Caucus did engaged the government but stressed consensus was not arrived at on the E-levy as presented by the Minister’s letter.
“Unfortunately, on the matter of the E-levy we could not have agreement and consensus as captured by the Minister’s own statement.”
“Mr. Speaker we just can imagine if remittance of GH¢1000 is sent to a mother and she sends GH¢200 to a sister, GH¢400 to a brother and 400 to another brother, all these transactions would be taxed. We are guided by the public good,” he stressed.
Deputy Majority leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, in his contribution, noted the engagement going on between the Minority and the Finance Minister demonstrates the beauty of democracy to agree and disagree.
According to him, the Minister has at least listened to the concerns raised by the Minority Caucus and addressed some, which is very significant.
“The Ketu South, Keta and Anlo and the issue with the tidal wave and desire of the people to have an infrastructure to save lives and property.”
“At least, he has committed himself to this and I think it is good news for the people in the area,” he said.
The Deputy leader averred that on the E-levy, the most significant aspect of the analysis is how it is going to be applied.
The Minister, he said, has assured he is going to continue with the consultations and engagements and stressed the whole essence of democracy is not to shut the door but to open it up for continuous engagement.
He assured the Minority though there could be emotions, disagreements and even be at each others throat at times, the House in the final analysis is ready to work together for the sake of Ghana.
Source: MyPublisher24.com