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Ghanaian musician, Kwaw Kese has expressed his discontent over government’s decision to introduce electronic transaction levy otherwise known as E-levy.
It would be recalled that the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori Atta while presenting the 2022 Budget statement disclosed the government’s decision to place a levy on all electronic transactions to widen tax net.[ads2]
Mr. Ofori Atta explained that the levy will cover electronic transactions, including mobile money payments, bank transfers, merchant payments and inward remittances and the 1.75% to be charged will be borne by the sender except inward remittances, which will be borne by the recipient.
He further stated that the levy, which is supposed to take effect next year January after Parliament approves the budget will be used to support entrepreneurship, and ensure youth employment.[ads3]
But Ghanaians have expressed their displeasure about the levy despite the assurances and the fact that all transactions adding up to ¢100 or less per day (which is approximately ¢3000 per month) will be exempted.
Expressing his view about the levy on TV3 newday programme, Kwaw Kese said that, “I don’t think it necessary, nobody has to pay E-levy because it’s never done anywhere. But if you look at the at our leaders are desperately trying to push it on us with threats and other stuff, I think there’s something wrong somewhere.”
Meanwhile, as part of explaining the importance of the E-levy as well as take feedback and inputs from relevant stakeholders on the levy, the government has begun townhall meetings in the various regions.[ads5]
