I trust and hope not to deceive myself when I indulge in the persuasion of the people that a few dynamic women and men maybe all we need to make the parliament house very interesting and worthwhile for both Majority and Minority and the voters of the last election. I would want to thank the Author of all good things and mutually congratulate all newly sworn in parliamentarians, especially the about 110 or so new entrants to Parliament. About 3 weeks ago, the President and Parliamentarians, plus the Speaker were all sworn in for the Republic of Ghana.
I have thought it fit to write on E-Levy which soon will be cancelled without fear of public resentment and vindictiveness. I am certain the new administration will yield to the dictates of conscience and have a sense of obligation to do as promised during the campaign. In the deliberation upon the subject of taxes, it was impossible for me to lose sight of the role of the economy in electoral results, but I will avoid extending my views to the consequences of our economic challenges on elections 2024.
The termination of longstanding, expensive, and distressing E-Levy in which we have been engaged in with electronic banking or money transfers will conclude with no hostile or unfavourable political debates as was witnessed in the 8th Parliament. I don’t want to remember the numerous debates, fist fights and minor eye injuries that were associated with the passing of E-Levy. In the adjustment or the promises made by both parties to the satisfaction of Ghanaians, let me deem it worthy, no less of a policy that both parties agreed to scrap towards the end of last years campaign.
This single decision to be implemented by the new administration will be important for the liberation of ordinary people and will be needed for durable tranquillity. The terms of the adjustment to E-Levy or the entire removal of the levy will be laid before parliament for consideration. I am excited for all of us though government revenue will suffer substantially which means an alternative measure or some projects may be delayed or aborted.
E-levy annoyed the NPP base and caused disaffection and gave us evidence of their sincere displeasure by not voting for us. Mr Speaker and some officials within the government, including Haruna Iddrisu talked about the possible adverse impact on the economy at the time, but government found no issues. The masses carried their anger into effect by surrendering the power to the opposition on a silver platter. In fact, I think our loss was perpetuated on our administration because the general dissatisfaction with E-Levy amongst other things.
The NPP administration failed to put in measures or to mitigate the consequences of such outrage when it was passed into Law. We failed to appreciate the challenges it posed to our electoral fortunes. I have the pleasing information that the President has the assurances of ordinary Ghanaians, and a satisfactory conclusion when it is done within the first 90 days. I will cherish this expectation until it is done. This was promised by the NPP after deliberations and preparation of our manifesto, so we see a uniform and a sincere desire by all. This will be a bipartisan project and will end the molestation of electronic trade/transactions. Several of whatsApp messages, letters and voice notes to me, announced people’s recognition of the extraordinary government expenditures that they thought government cuts could have helped instead of E-Levy.
This plan to scrap E-Levy may have afforded us the continuance of peace with the power if we had done it within our 2nd term. Today we want to hold the President to his words in such a manner as to authorize the repeal of the E-Levy. I am hoping for a very fruitful discussion of this important subject of removal of E-Levy which will reduce government revenue.
In all these debates and politics, mutual forbearance where there is a difference of opinion are too obvious and necessary for the peace, happiness, and wellness of our nation. I wrote this piece to remind the new administration that we are patiently waiting for the fulfilment of this particular promise and that all Ghanaians are waiting patiently. Thanks.
The author of this piece is Dr. Dickson Adomako Kissi. He is a medical doctor, a politician and a former Member of Parliament.
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