The Electronic Levy [E-Levy] has finally been passed by parliament on Tuesday March 29, 2022.
The E-levy is a new tax measure introduced by the government in the 2022 Budget on basic transactions related to digital payments and electronic platform transactions.
A charge of 1.75% will apply to electronic transactions that are more than GH¢100 on a daily basis.
The Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, has said that the government is convinced about the need for the e-levy and how it encapsulates the idea of burden-sharing for Ghana’s development.
They walked out after the Minority Leader leader had said the NDC Members of Parliament remain united in opposing the policy.
Members of Parliament debated a motion moved by the Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, on the controversial electronic transfer levy despite initial objections raised by the Minority.
The Minority in Parliament objected to the motion because it was not captured in the business of the week.
Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu reiterated the Minority’s stance on the E-levy.
“When the business statement was presented last week, it [E-levy] was not part of the business approved for the house. We have warned time and again and cautioned that we do want to be taken by surprise on a major economic policy of government. Parliament cannot be that when a side is convenient with its number, then business can go on. It cannot be. We will not accept that culture. So when they [Majority] did not have the numbers, they weren’t ready. Now, that they have the numbers, then you say we should do business.”
Despite the objection, the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta was allowed to move the motion in Parliament.
The E-levy was introduced by the government in the 2022 Budget on basic transactions related to digital payments and electronic platform transactions.
The rate will apply to electronic transactions that are more than GHS 100 on a daily basis. This is different from the 1% telcos charge on transactions.
The levy has sparked controversy because of its impact on mobile money transactions and poor Ghanaians that use it.
