Don't cancel E-Levy – Dr. Asah-Asante urges Mahama

Dr. Kwame Asah-Asante, a renowned political scientist, has advised President John Dramani Mahama to reconsider his promise to cancel the electronic transfer levy (E-Levy).

Ahead of the 2024 elections, President Mahama pledged to scrap the E-Levy, which was introduced by the Akufo-Addo administration. The levy has faced widespread criticism from Ghanaians, who view it as a financial burden. However, several stakeholders, including the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA), have expressed opposition to its removal.

Speaking on Morning Starr with Naa Dedei Tettey, Dr. Asah-Asante argued that the E-Levy could be an essential tool for raising revenue to stabilize the economy.

He emphasized the need for the government to explore alternative revenue streams, especially given the current fuel shortages and economic challenges.

While acknowledging concerns about the tax burden, Dr. Asah-Asante suggested that reducing the levy, rather than abolishing it entirely, could be a more pragmatic approach.

He stressed the importance of the State generating revenue to effectively manage its affairs.

“We should look at ways to raise money because we are now in short supply of fuel, and there are many commitments we need to meet. We need resources. The government must find reasonable means to generate the necessary resources to implement its programs and policies, and one place we can start from is the E-Levy,” Dr. Asah-Asante stated.

“Even though the government promised to remove it, I hold a contrary view. I support the E-Levy entirely because it generates significant resources. If the tax burden is too high, it can be reduced, but removing it entirely is something I vehemently disagree with. The State has the responsibility to generate revenue and manage its affairs with that revenue,” he added.

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