In a daring move, Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia declared that if elected President of the Republic of Ghana, he would do away with the e-levy, or tax on electronic financial transactions.
The crowd cheered and applauded spontaneously when the NPP Flagbearer made his commitment.
Dr Bawumia declared that the elimination of the e-levy will greatly advance his goal of a digitised and cashless economy for the country.
Dr. Bawumia made this statement during a public discussion titled “Bawumia Speaks in Accra on Wednesday at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) Kofi Ohene Konadu Auditorium.”
This was his first significant speech in front of the public since he was chosen to lead the NPP.
The event was on the theme: “Ghana’s Next Chapter Selfless Leadership and Bold Solutions for the Future,” which enabled the NPP Flagbearer for the December Election to outline his vision and priority policies for the nation if elected.
Dr Bawumia said: “To transition to a cashless economy, we need to encourage the use of electronic payment channels.”
“To facilitate this, there will be no taxes on digital payments under my administration. Therefore, the e-levy will be abolished”
He went on to say that his government would also do away with the proposed 15% VAT on electricity rates, the betting tax, and the emission tax.
A streamlined flat tax regime that is beneficial to businesses and citizens alike has been proclaimed by the NPP flagbearer as a means of assisting both individuals and businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
“My administration will implement a straightforward, citizen- and business-friendly flat tax regime.
“This will involve a flat tax percentage of income for individuals and SMEs, which represent 98% of all businesses in Ghana, with appropriate exemption thresholds to safeguard the poor.
If Dr Bawumia is elected President of Ghana, his government will enact comprehensive programmes with a maximum of 50 ministers and deputy ministers.
Mrs. Rebecca Akufo-Addo, First Lady and spouse of Vice President Hajia Samira Bawumia, Professor Mike Aaron Oquaye, former Speaker of Parliament, former President Jahn Agyekum Kufuor, and Mrs. Osei Frema-Opare, Chief of Staff, were present.
