John Dramani Mahama, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has issued a direct challenge to Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, urging him to fulfill his promise of abolishing the controversial E-levy and other taxes without delay. Mahama emphasized the need for immediate action, highlighting Dr. Bawumia’s pivotal role in the current government.
In January, Vice President Bawumia pledged to eliminate the contentious E-Levy as part of efforts to transition Ghana into a cashless economy. He declared that under his administration, there would be no taxes on digital payments, reaffirming his commitment to abolishing the E-levy.
Furthermore, Dr. Bawumia vowed to abolish additional taxes, including the Value-Added Tax (VAT) on electricity, emissions tax, and betting tax. These promises were made with the aim of easing the tax burden on Ghanaians and fostering economic growth. Mahama urged the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) to hold Vice President Bawumia accountable for his pledges by urging him to take immediate action to eliminate the identified taxes imposed by the current government.
“Tell Bawumia to eliminate the E-Levy and other taxes now, not later,” Mahama emphasized, underscoring the urgency of addressing the concerns raised by Ghanaians regarding the tax regime. Mahama’s challenge reflects growing pressure on the government to follow through on its commitments and address the economic challenges facing ordinary citizens. The E-Levy, in particular, has been a subject of intense debate and criticism, with many arguing that its implementation would place undue financial strain on Ghanaians already grappling with rising living costs.
As the country prepares for the upcoming elections, Mahama’s call for immediate action on tax reforms resonates with many Ghanaians who are eager for tangible solutions to alleviate their financial burdens. In response to Mahama’s challenge, Vice President Bawumia’s office reiterated the government’s commitment to implementing its agenda, including tax reforms aimed at promoting economic growth and development. However, no specific timeline was provided for the abolition of the E-Levy and other taxes mentioned by Mahama. The debate surrounding tax policy and economic management is likely to remain a central issue in Ghanaian politics, with both the ruling party and the opposition vying to address the concerns of the electorate.
