Tuesday, 01 April

Bryan Acheampong supports repeal of E-Levy to boost disposable income

Politics
Bryan Acheampong

The former Minister of Food and Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong, has supported the repeal of the Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy), citing its potential to increase disposable income for individuals and households.

The proposed repeal aims to relieve Ghanaians from the burden of deductions associated with electronic transactions, allowing them to retain more money for essential expenses such as school fees, housing projects, and family milestones like weddings.

According to estimates, repealing the levy would result in a fiscal loss of approximately GH¢1.946 billion for the 2025 fiscal year.

However, Mr Acheampong, also a Member of Parliament for Abetifi Constituency in the Eastern Region, argues that this loss to the government would translate into a gain of GH¢2 billion for the Ghanaian populace, effectively putting more money into the hands of citizens annually.

The advocate for the repeal emphasized that the financial boost would have a lasting positive impact, stimulating economic growth, promoting digital transactions, and fostering a business-friendly environment in the country he stated.

He made this statement during a debate on the floor of Parliament.

In making his case, the lawmaker urged his colleagues in Parliament to support the bill, stressing that the policy decision is vital to enhancing the quality of life for Ghanaians while encouraging more participation in the digital economy. He believes that the additional disposable income would lead to increased economic activity and sustainable development.

As discussions on the repeal continue, stakeholders remain divided on balancing revenue generation with alleviating financial pressures on the public.

The final decision by Parliament will have far-reaching implications for the economy and the lives of ordinary citizens.

Source: Classfmonline.com/Cecil Mensah