Joyce Bawah Mogtari, Special Aide to former President John Dramani Mahama, has reiterated the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government’s commitment to abolishing the controversial Electronic Transfer Levy (E-levy) and the COVID-19 levy.
This pledge, a key feature of the NDC’s 2024 manifesto, aims to provide relief to Ghanaians burdened by these levies.
Speaking on the matter, Madam Bawah Mogtari assured the public that the government remains resolute in its determination to deliver on this promise, emphasizing its dedication to easing the financial pressures on citizens.
“The E-levy has been a significant concern for many citizens. In a country where several banks have collapsed, some intentionally, mobile money services have become the main avenue for financial transactions. It is critical to ensure that this platform remains accessible and affordable for all. These levies will be scrapped,” Joyce Bawah made these remarks during an interview on JoyNews’ AM Show.
She expressed disapproval of the 1.5% rate of the levy, comparing it to other nations where taxes are limited to 0.5%.
In her view, the increased rate has rendered the levy burdensome for the average Ghanaian, emphasizing its wider consequences, particularly its effects on international development.
“For those who have no other options but to transact business using mobile money, this levy is not just inconvenient but stifling.
“Many development partners used to distribute resources through mobile money platforms. However, the introduction of the E-levy has disrupted these processes, adding unnecessary strain to an already fragile system.”
Additionally, Joyce Bawah questioned the continued collection of COVID-19 by the Akufo-Addo administration years after the pandemic had subsided.
“If we still have these levies in place and yet have not completed crucial projects like Agenda 111, we need to ask ourselves whether these levies serve their intended purpose..”
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