The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has described the decision by Former President John Dramani Mahama to abolish the e-levy if the National Democratic Congress (NDC) wins political power as a scam.
Addressing a press conference in Accra on Wednesday May 4, the Director of Communications of the NPP, Mr Yaw Buaben Asamoa said “Finally, please look at the claim to repeal e-levy. It’s a scam. Just like one time premium and the repeal of talk tax.
“In any event, can John Mahama explain the difference in his 17.5% tax on financial transactions and his manifesto pledge to impose a uniform tax on all electronic transactions? Are these measures e-levy in disguise and does he stand by them?”
Mr John Dramani Mahama announced the decision by the NDC to cancel the e-levy while delivering an address on Monday May 2 titled “Ghana at Crossroads”.
“We in the NDC do not oppose taxation as a principle. We will not be pretentious and couch fanciful slogans to condemn the principle of taxation like the NPP did in the past. We are, however, implacably opposed to distortionary and burdensome taxes like the e-levy that only force Ghanaians to endure more suffering.
“A new National Democratic Congress Government, God willing and with the votes of the sovereign people of Ghana – in 2025 – will repeal the E-Levy Act,” he said.
The controversial levy started on Sunday May 1 amidst public outcry.
The NDC heavily opposed the introduction of the levy.
In their view, it is punitive and amounts to double taxation. The bill was passed by Parliament on Tuesday March 29 after the Minority staged a walkout.
They walked out after their leader Haruna Iddrisu said the NDC MPs remained united in opposing the policy.
On Tuesday April 19 they filed an application at the Supreme Court to block the commencement of the e-levy deductions. But the Supreme Court dismissed the application on Wednesday May 4.
By Laud Nartey|3news.com|Ghana