The 2022 budget has been approved by Parliament and was approved by the majority caucus on Tuesday, November 30, 2021, after it was rejected by the minority on Friday, November 26, 2021.
In line with this, a cross-section of Ghanaians in the Eastern regional capital, Koforidua has expressed their concerns over the approval of the budget saying that it will have a negative impact on their daily activities especially the Electronic Levy (E-Levy) the government has introduced.
The Government in its 2022 Budget Statement announced the introduction of 1.7% E-Levy on all digital transactions including Mobile Money.
According to them, their ‘Kokromoti’ power has fetched them difficulties and hardship since the government style of governing doesn’t meet their expectations.
“I don’t understand why the majority caucus who stitch the budget themselves approved the budget in the absence of the minority, hence this budget should be abolished because they can’t force us to do what we wouldn’t like to do,” one trader affirms.
Speaking one-on-one with Joy Daddy Multimedia, Bryt Fm, traders stressed that the cost of living is growing and traders are complaining of the high cost of doing business and as a matter of fact this rate of E-Levy is too high hence stands the chance of dispiriting them from transacting businesses electronically.
However, this is one of the factors that the government needs to consider before approving the budget but since the government has no sympathy for the poorest in the country, he does things in his own interest.
“We have used our own thump to fetch problems for ourselves and as a result, there has been a huge number of Ghanaians growing in hardship, therefore, we will be careful with our thump in the 2024 election,” they said.
“It will be very relevant if the government negotiates with the telecommunication companies to either stop or lessen the charges for persons initiating transactions to help have a luxurious life.”
One driver, Yaw Boateng on his part entreated the government to abolish the E-Levy and rather maintain the toll Levy since it will be lesser than the E-Levy.
The Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta has said that discussions are ongoing with telecommunication companies over the proposed electronic levy.
He made this known on the floor of Parliament on Tuesday, November 30, 2021.
Source: Mybrytfmonline/Abba Kwegyirba Aggrey
