NDC has clearly indicated its policy stand on the future of e-levy – Economist

The main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) through Former President John Dramani Mahama has clearly stated their policy position on the e-levy implementation, an economist and Dean of the Business School at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) Professor John Gatsi, has said.

He explained that as an opposition party, it is important to clearly indicate their position on key issues hence, the announcement by Mr Mahama that the NDC would cancel the e-levy should they win the next elections settles their stand on the policy.

Speaking on the News 360 on TV3 Tuesday May 3, Prof Gatsi said “It is very clear that people are not comfortable with the principle behind e-levy. And, it is my belief that that principle has to be corrected. If there is the need to even take revenue from this space, the principle will has to be corrected.

“It is also very clear that as opposition party, you are able to point out your views and your policy orientation when it comes to specific matters. So I believe the NDC, through John Mahama, has been able to clearly indicate the policy stand on the e-levy.

“That sends so many signals. The first signal is that, it tells people that when things are enacted into law without following principle, we can, as a people, find a way through the lawmaking to deal with it, that through the lawmaking process, it will be repealed.

“Then it also sends the signal to investors interested in the bonds of Ghana. Because during the debate about the e-levy the Road Minister clearly indicated that they need the e-levy to collateralize to construct more roads. So, if we are going to collateralize the e-levy, then the signal to the investors that, the future revenue stream that is going to be collateralized may not be there.”

Mr Mahama announced the NDC’s decision while delivering an address titled “Ghana at Crossroad” on Monday May 2.

“We in the NDC do not oppose taxation as a principle. We will not be pretentious and couch fanciful slogans to condemn the principle of taxation like the NPP did in the past. We are, however, implacably opposed to distortionary and burdensome taxes like the e-levy that only force Ghanaians to endure more suffering.

“A new National Democratic Congress Government, God willing and with the votes of the sovereign people of Ghana – in 2025 – will repeal the E-Levy Act,” he said.

The controversial levy started on Sunday May 1 amidst public outcry.

Source: 3news.com|Ghana