Kadjebi (O/R), Feb. 12, GNA-Some residents of Kadjebi have shared diverse views on the government’s decision to introduce taxes on the electronic transaction (e-levy) in the country. 

While some were of the view that the proposed levy be abandoned entirely, and greater consultation done, others want the rate to be reduced for acceptance. 

Mr Ken Ofori-Atta, Minister for Finance and Economic Planning, during the presentation of 2022 Budget Statement in Parliament on November 17, 2021, announced the introduction of 1.75 per cent e-levy, which has since been the major topic for political discourse in the country. 

In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) at Kadjebi in the Oti Region, Mr John Mills Adisi, a Businessman said the E-Levy is good as it would help generate enough revenue to develop the country, but timing was bad due to the economic hardship. 

He said, “If Members of Parliament want Ghana to develop, then, they should pass the E-Levy bill into law.” 

Mr Adisi was, however, of the view that more education should be carried out on the importance and benefits of the levy for the citizenry to appreciate and pay it. 

He also called for the reduction of the e-levy from 1.75 per cent to 1 per cent; adding “objectively taxation is not bad, but the target is too high”, so the purpose might not be achieved. 

Mr Benjamin Boamah, a Mobile Money Vendor, disagreed with the e-levy policy because it would overburden the people who were struggling to make an end to meet. 

He said the policy would throw out the Mobile Money vendors out of business because their client would decide to keep their monies at home rather than the mobile money wallet. 

Mr Frank Ofori, a Teller, said he supported the E-Levy policy, but the rate should be reduced to 1.25 per cent since the Telcos Companies have reduced theirs to 0.75 per cent. 

This, he said, would make the calculation very simple for everyone. 

He said a tax of 1.25 per cent plus 0.75 per cent would make up 2 per cent. 

Ms Francisca Appreku, a Cosmetic Seller, says the policy is bad and should be abandoned. 

She said her business would collapse since she mostly transacted via mobile money.