Minority controlled by forces to oppose E-Levy – Afenyo-Markin

Deputy Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has accused the Minority of demonstrating bad faith and extremist politicking in the case of the E-Levy bill.

According to him, the hard-lining stance of the NDC against the E-Levy is solely politically motivated and not characterised by a need to alleviate the suffering of the average Ghanaian.

Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express, Afenyo-Markin explained that at the beginning of the E-Levy impasse, both sides of the House had held several meetings to negotiate on the terms of the E-levy, however, “forces” unbeknownst to the NPP were pulling the strings of the NDC.

“Our friends came with their position, how they wanted things done. They wanted a reduction, even the threshold they wanted it to be reduced further. But you see, they may not want to hear this but is the naked truth. The NDC caucus in Parliament is being controlled by some forces and those forces are looking at the 2024 elections.

“You see, in one breath you’re ready to share political risk with us, in another breath you say that it’s your risk. Yet you are obstructing. We started, we started. High power delegation not only MPs but senior members of their party outside of parliament,” he said.

He revealed that during the negotiation, the two sides came to an understanding concerning the E-Levy till the NDC made a sharp U-turn.

“You remember I was on your show and I was the first to announce the 1.5%. Perhaps I was too quick to make that pronouncement, but it was necessary. I didn’t say that accidentally. At that point, they were somewhere 1% and a little above, and you remember Haruna Iddrisu publicly declare the 1% and they were on his neck they wanted to kick him out of leadership. Do you remember?

“They all descended on him because at that point they said no-way, they were not ready for even the 1% so negotiations broke down. We had several meetings. Some senior members on our side joined leadership and I was leading the team, and they also had their team,” he said.

“We tried all of these and it got to a point it was like ‘oo it’s not us it’s a party decision.’ If it is your party’s decision to use E-Levy to fight the 2024 election tell Ghanaians. Don’t tell Ghanaians that you’re fighting for them because they’re suffering,” he added.

Source: Thenewsroomonline