E-Levy: Akufo-Addo can only develop Ghana through taxation – NPP

The governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) says the only the Akufo-Addo led governmnet can develop Ghana is through taxation.

According to the Director of Elections of the party, the collection of taxes is the only way out for the government and not continually running to the IMF for help.

His comments come on the back of agitations over the introduction of the Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy) bill.

The controversial E-Levy seeks to impose a 1.75% levy on transactions, including Mobile money transfers done between accounts on the same Electronic Money Issuers (EMI), Mobile money transfers from accounts on one EMI to a recipient on another EMI, Transfers from bank accounts to mobile money accounts (either directly, GIP debit, bank cards or another scheme), Transfers from mobile money accounts to bank accounts (either directly, GIP debit, bank cards or another scheme) and Bank transfers originating from a bank account belonging to an individual.

But the introduction of the bill has met stiff resistance from well-meaning Ghanaians including the opposition NDC who argue it will further compound the hardships of the ordinary Ghanaian.

The government however remains adamant and insists passing the bill will accelerate the country’s development.

Speaking on Accra-based JoyNews’ The Probe on Sunday, February 20, 2022, Mr Nimako dismissed claims the governmnet should go to the IMF saying those loans come conditionalities that stifle growth.

“If you want to get it right, you cannot continue to enjoy from your comfort zone and getting the e-Levy done is possible. You communicate to the good people of Ghana that it is for each and everyone to contribute.”

“Elsewhere, where we are looking for getting support in terms of loans, it is coming to us from the taxes they contribute. I have said a number of times that we all have difficulties saying that it is not comfortable (paying taxes including e-Levy) but that is the only way for us to develop. Do you want the conditionalities imposed on us under John Mahama and Prof Atta Mills?” Mr Nimako questioned.

“So for us as New Patriotic Party, we support the government to come out with an arrangement that will ensure a home base solution for us to have plans to support our local development and transforming the lives of people,” he added.

Source: Thenewsroomonline