Mahama Ayariga, a Member of Parliament for Bawku Central has reiterated the stance of the Minority in Parliament that they will not countenance any form or shape of the government’s proposed 1.75% E-Levy policy.
His response comes after Ken Ofori-Atta, the Finance Minister in a news conference on Monday (6 December) noted that despite concerns about the E-Levy, it still represents the government’s greatest opportunity to broaden the tax net.
He also said consultations are still ongoing to factor in the concerns of stakeholders on the implementation of the E-Levy.
However, speaking to Beatrice Adu on The Big Bulletin (6 December), Ayariga said the position of the Minority on the matter is unchangeable.
“He has said that already (consultations). He said that several times in Parliament. The fundamental issue which he describes as the elephant in the room is the E-Levy. The Minority takes a position to the extent that his (Ofori-Atta) entire fiscal policy is founded on executing the E-Levy and the Minority cannot be part of it.
So, the principle is rejected. We cannot go into details when we do not accept the principles. So, his proposal that we should go into the discussions of the principle and in the process, we’ll find a resolution doesn’t meet the Minority anywhere. The Minority rejects the principle in imposing an electronic transaction tax but we’ll wait and see since he has sent a communication to the Speaker,” he stated.
In a press statement to debunk claims that the minority is ready to accept an E-Levy of 1%, Minority Chief Whip in Parliament, Muntaka Mubarak says the Minority is resolute in its position to reject the E-Levy policy of 1.75%.
“We wish to state unequivocally that no concrete decision or agreement has been reached between the government and the NDC Caucus in Parliament on this matter.
“The NDC Caucus in Parliament wishes to assure Ghanaians that it will continue to use every legitimate and lawful channel to resist the 1.75% E-Levy,” he assured.
Nicholas Brown
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