The Minister of State at the Ministry of Finance, Charles Adu Boahen, has assured that government will ensure the e-levy is passed in Parliament by the end of this month.
Parliament adjourned sitting to January 25, 2022, without passing the controversial Electronic Transfer Levy of 1.75% which government hopes will rake in close to GH¢7 billion to shore up its revenue.
Voting on the levy led to chaos in Parliament as Members of the house were captured on tape exchanging blows.
Opponents of the tax policy are demanding either a reduction in the rate or its total withdrawal.
Speaking on the future of the e-levy, Mr. Adu Boahen noted that enhanced revenue mobilization from all aspects of the economy is critical, especially due to the current high debt levels of the country.
“The high debt levels mean that we are limited in the amount of additional borrowing we can undertake. And so any expenditures will primarily be financed through revenue increase. So we all have to put our shoulders to the wheel to increase our revenue collection efforts, to pay for all our capital expenditure needs. This month we will go back to the floor of Parliament with the e-levy and ensure it gets passed by the end of the month.”
Annoh-Dompreh hints at E-levy review when Parliament resumes
Majority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, has hinted that the Electronic Transaction Levy rate of 1.75% will be reviewed when the house resumes this month.
In an interview with Citi News, Mr. Annoh Dompreh indicated that stakeholders have been extensively engaged and that the e-levy would be tabled in a form acceptable to all.
“I have a feeling that there might be one or two amendments, especially concerns about utility and probably the rates. I am sure there will be some amendments to it. I am not concluding though, but from intelligence, I am picking, the kind of thinking the MPs are showing, I am very sure that there will be some change in form.”
