President Akufo-Addo has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to enacting the contentious Electronic Transaction Levy (E-levy).
According to him, the government made some expenditures in order to relieve the burden on Ghanaians during the COVID-19, and it has become necessary to put in place some measures to fill the gaps that were created.
“Revenues in 2020/2021 were much lower as a result of the COVID-19-induced slowdown in economic activity. At the same time, in order to keep the country running, the government had to spend money on free water and free energy. On Tuesday, 1st, President Akufo-Addo told traditional elders from Dzodze in the Volta region, “These were the inevitable expenses that government had to make.”
“These are the efforts that we are making now, which are being opposed by the opposition,” he continued, “but we will strive to lose the gab.” That is why we have had to resort to measures such as this well-known tax, which has sparked so much unneeded debate; however, we will continue.”
Despite the criticism, President Akufo-Addo stated, “I am committed to persevere to ensure that we find the means to fix some of the concerns.”
The Electronic Transactions Levy was reduced from 1.75 percent to 1.5 percent by the Minority in Parliament.
After Thursday’s meeting ended in a stalemate, the newest reduction was proposed during consultations with the minority on Friday.
