The way E-levy was passed will set Parliament on a stage of more confrontation” – Prof Gyampo

A Senior Lecturer at the Political Science Department of the University of Ghana (Legon), Professor Ransford Gyampo has expressed worry over the manner in which the government electronic transaction levy (e-levy) was passed by Parliament on Tuesday, March 29.

According to him, the way it was passed will set the house on a stage for more confrontation ongoing forward something he said will not arguer well for the country, considering the nature of the current parliament.

He added the way and manner it was passed is an affront to the consensus building the country have been advocating for in the legislative house.

“E-levy, the way and manner it was passed yesterday in my view set us on a stage of more confrontation in a hung parliament that promises to remain with us at least up to 2024. When you look at how it was passed it is a serious affront on our quest to build consensus in a hung parliament that promises to remain with us for quite some time and I thought it will be pass by consensus,” Pro Gyampo said.

The renowned Professor made the comment on TV3, while reacting to the President’s State of the Nation’s Address and specifically, his comment about the E-levy monitored by GhanaPlus.com.

“Mr. Speaker, despite the protracted and sometimes acrimonious nature of proceedings, I am happy that the House has, finally, found it possible to pass the E-levy Bill. I believe the levy is going to make a significant contribution to revenue mobilisation and the management of the national economy, and I want to thank Members of the House for making this possible,” the President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo said in his State of the Nation Address.

Parliament approves E-levy

Ghana’s Parliament on Tuesday March 29 passed the government proposed electronic transaction levy to tax 1.5% on electronic transfers above ₵100, mobile money inclusive.

The Majority passed the bill which has been widely criticized since it’s was announced in the 2022 budget statement on November last year after the Minority staged a walk out in opposition to its approval.

The Minority have since filed a case at the Supreme Court to prevent the President, Nana Akufo-Addo from assenting to the E-levy bill.

Source: GhanaPlus.com