The Finance Minister-Designate, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has reaffirmed his dedication to eliminating the E-Levy, labeling it a barrier to Ghana’s advancement towards a cashless economy.
In his vetting by Parliament’s Appointments Committee, Dr. Forson resolutely maintained that his position on the E-Levy remains unchanged. He stressed that the levy does not represent a conventional form of taxation and committed to abolishing it if given the chance.
“My position on the E-Levy is well known. I have written articles and championed opposition against it, and I still stand by that. The E-Levy is neither a direct tax nor an indirect tax. It is difficult to classify it as a tax,” he explained.
The E-Levy, aimed at taxing electronic transactions, has encountered significant backlash since its launch, with numerous citizens and stakeholders advocating for its abolition.
Initially, it was intended to generate additional revenue for the government by increasing tax contributions from Ghana’s informal sector.
However, Ato Forson has stated that if he is confirmed as Finance Minister, he will propose the elimination of the E-Levy in his inaugural budget.
“As part of the 120-day agenda outlined by President Mahama, the E-Levy will be abolished. I stand by this commitment, and if given the chance, I will ensure that the levy is scrapped within the first 120 days of our administration,” Dr. Forson affirmed.
To address worries regarding potential revenue loss, Dr. Forson stated that he would evaluate the effects of the E-Levy and investigate alternatives to either replace it or adjust government expenditure in light of its removal.
“The choices are straightforward: we can either eliminate the E-Levy and find a replacement, or we can remove it without a replacement and reduce related spending. As Finance Minister, my focus will be on taking a comprehensive approach to achieve the best results for the nation,” he concluded.
Ashiadey Dotse