Ranking Member on Parliament’s Finance Committee, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, says the government has exaggerated the gains the Electronic Transaction levy (E-levy) Bill will bring to Ghanaians.
Speaking on the floor of the House on Tuesday, Dr Ato Forson disclosed how the levy has been touted as the panacea for the distressed Ghanaian economy.
“Today, we’ve been told this tax can cure most of the sicknesses of this Ghanaian economy to the extent that this tax is more powerful than most of the herbal medicines that we have seen.”
He further alleged that it has been said that “this tax can even cure Honourable Okudzeto Ablakwa’s bald head”.
His submission on the North Tongu MP’s hair loss gave rise to a moment of laughter in Parliament despite a heated debate.
Dr Ato Forson made the comment after the Majority in Parliament moved a motion to consider the implementation of the 1.5% E-levy.
Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta and Minister of State in charge of Finance, Charles Adu-Boahen, were present in the House today to facilitate the passage of the bill.
According to the Ajumako-Enyan-Esiam MP, the controversial bill is not sufficient to rid Ghana of all its economic challenges.
He, therefore, entreated Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta “to come with a comprehensive package in restoring economic stability and not to concentrate on E-levy as the panacea to our economic problems.”
Dr Ato Forson believes the Electronic Transaction levy should not be described as such but rather “digital pocket tax”.
He said such a name is appropriate because “this is a dangerous tax. It is a tax seeking to digitally take money from the pocket.”
Source: adomonline.com
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In fact, if you ask me about the passage of the E-levy and the lessons it brings with it, I'll say it's worth watching out vigilantly for the results that come with it. Thus, the Akufo-Addo administration has been innovative and bold to do something different to raise money internally instead of the status quo of always rushing to the IMF to borrow money. The success of the E-levy policy will undoubtedly result in a significant loss of credibility for the NDC. With respect to the NDC, in terms of its concern for the well-being of Ghanaians as opposed to its own party interests. The NDC should, therefore, be wary of the repercussions of misinformation and malicious cheap propaganda. In Akan, we have a proverb that says if you are reckless about eating your eggs, be mindful that you are also eating your chickens.
If you want people to take you serious, such pronouncement should not be made by you. ***barred word*** niw
GHANAIANS PAY YOUR TAXES AND STOP CRISING ENOUGH OF THAT. CURRENCY GLOBALLY FLUATUATES BUT IT ALWAYS YOUR BALANCE OF TRADE THAT CHANGE THE CURRENCY STRENGTH. HOW MANY ADDED VALUE DOES GHANA EXPORT. WE KEEP IMPORTING RICE WHICH IT CAN BE GROWN IN GHANA EASILY,WE IMPORT WHEAT WHICH CAN EASILY GROW IN GHANA JUST LIKE EQYPT, BRASIL, OR ANY TROPICAL NATION WITHOUT ANY PROBLEM. SO WE ARE SICK AS A NATION WE MUST SMARTUP AND STOP THE NOISE EVERYTIME WHICH IS NPOT HELPING.NDC SO IGNOOOOOOORANT, LOOOOOOOOSERS THEY DON'T EVEN UNDERSTANT THE CONSTITUTION, CANNOT EVEN INTERPRATE THE LAW. AGAIN INEVERYTHING THEY HAVE NO SOLUTION EXCEPT CRITISIMS SUCH LOOOOOOSERS LEADERS AND LOOOOOTERS.