A leading member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Gabby Otchere Darko has reacted to a campaign promise made by former President John Dramani Mahama to the effect that a future National Democratic Congress (NDC) government will abolish the e-levy.
Gabby recalled that in 2007/2008 Mr Mahama and NDC vehemently opposed the introduction of ”talk tax” and campaigned to repeal it if elected.
After wining the 2008 elections, he said, they failed to honour that promise.
“In 2007/2008 John Mahama & NDC vehemently opposed the introduction of ”talk tax” & campaigned to repeal it if elected! They won in ‘08 but kept quiet. When Mahama became President in 2013, he quickly introduced the Communication Service Tax Amendment Act to widen the talk tax net,” he tweeted.
Mr Mahama while delivering an address titled “Ghana at Crossroad” on Monday May 2 assured persons who are unhappy with the e-levy that the NDC will repeal it.
“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. Hearing of this application is expected to be heard on Wednesday May 4.
By Laud Nartey|3news.com|Ghana