The Deputy Finance Minister, Dr John Ampontuah Kumah says the country has lost three months collection of the E-levy due to the delay in its passage.
On Wednesday, November 17, 2021, Mr Ken Ofori-Atta, Minister of Finance, on behalf of the government, presented the 2022 budget, indicating a 1.75 per cent charge on all electronic transactions.
The E-levy charges will affect all online transactions such as mobile money payments, bank transfers, merchants and inward remittance across the country.
Upon hearing about the E-levy, a section of the public were not happy to pay the tax.
The Minority in Parliament, has since rejected the E-levy.
Initially, 1.75 per cent was proposed but after a broader consultation across the country, it was reduced to 1.50 per cent.
The E-levy after being dragged to and fro parliament was finally passed on Tuesday, March 29, 2022.
Even after its passage, the Minority has refused to accept it and have dragged the Attorney-General to the Supreme Court over the approval of the Electronic Transactions Levy (E-Levy).
They contend that Parliament did not have the required number of at least, half of its members present when the controversial tax policy was approved.
They, thus, want the Supreme Court to declare that the said approval was contrary to law.
Read Also: I’m happy Parliament found it possible to pass E-levy- Akufo- Addo
Speaking on Atinka TV’s morning show, Ghana Nie with Ekourba Gyasi Simpremu, Dr John Ampontuah Kumah explained that government initially wanted to start deducting the money in February but unfortunately, due to the delay in its passage, the country has lost about one quarter of its collection already, counting February, March and April.
However, he said the 30 per cent expenditure cut by the government will make up for the money lost within the three months.
He confirmed that the implementation of the E-levy will take effect in May, 2022.
“We have lost about three months but at least the government has decided that going forward, there will be expenditure cut of about 30 per cent and so we will make up for the little we will lose by the expenditure cut,” he said.
Ghana| Atinkaonline.com| Porcia Oforiwaa Ofori
