The Deputy Majority Leader says it is disingenuous that the Minority Caucus is not being frank with the public when they agree with government on the newly introduced Electronic transaction levy.
Alexander Afenyo-Markin speaking on Newsfile on Saturday, told host Samson Lardy Anyenini that there is consensus on the levy from both sides of the House.
He noted that the NDC had always supported the E-levy but disagreed on the levy’s percentage.
According to him, the Minority MP had echoed for a review of the percentage on the levy, and government has assured Ghanaians of a reduction.
“We know their position, their position is one percent. I am surprised that suddenly they want to steam Haruna Iddrisu or that they want to single him out and sacrifice him.
“The E-levy was a position by the collective, if they have changed their position I would be surprised. But let Ghanaians know that on the E-levy, the NDC agrees with the NPP that we need that E-levy,” the Effutu MP stated.
He described calls by some Minority MP for the suspension of the levy as surprising.
“They shouldn’t backtrack and suddenly create the impression that we are in this alone. I am surprised that suddenly they want to make a U-turn, I mean people will not respect them [NDC]. They [NDC] as a political party have said that E-levy is a necessary evil, we must have E-levy.
“Where we disagree is the percentage, they want one percent, Government says 1.75 percent. The government has assured them that it is going to take steps to look into the concerns and make an announcement to that effect. So that is where we are. The NDC and the NPP agreed to E-levy, simplicita,” he noted.
But Ningo Prampram MP, Sam George, reacting to the comment, said the levy is better off suspended for better consultations.
He argued that the NDC MPs have no agreement with the Majority on the levy; rather, they are against it.
“We believe that it should be suspended, we believe that there should be better consultation with stakeholders and the country as a whole. But, it is not the way to go at this point. Let me repeat without equivocation and I say this with speaking with my leader, Haruna Iddrisu and the caucus.
“The NDC’s position, we have absolutely no agreement, let’s be clear. The statement that was issued yesterday signed by Muntaka Mubarak was on the express instruction of Haruna Iddrisu and that’s not our caucus position. So we are against it,” he said.
The introduction of the levy has sparked concerns from the public, with some people saying it will worsen the economic hardship in the country.
Source: Myjoyonline
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