Gov’t likely to withdraw E-Levy

It is emerging that the Akufo-Addo-led government will likely withdraw the controversial E-Levy Bill from Parliament in the coming weeks.

The withdrawal of the Bill as contained in the Business Statement of the House for next week, is expected to happen on either Friday, February 11 or Tuesday, February 15.

This comes on the back on some consultations and public engagements by the Minister of Finance, Ken Ofor-Atta, on the tax policy which has garnered a huge public interest.

Engagement with the Minority side of the House ended in a deadlock: while the government proposed a reduction of the E-Levy from 1.75% to 1.5%, the Minority side will have none of that. The Minority insisted on a Zero E-Levy.

Subsequently, the government held two separate townhall meetings: one in the Eastern Region and another in the Western Region to rally support for the passage of the tax which the government has said will be used to create jobs and build roads.

“Finance Minister has therefore given indication after his nationwide engagement with the citizenry on the Bill of the likelihood of the withdrawal of the Bill and the reintroduction of same on Friday, 11^th February, 2022 barring any unforeseen circumstances”, parts of the Business Statement reads.

Government hopes that when the Bill is reintroduced, members of the House will throw their weight behind it.

“Speaker, after the withdrawal and reintroduction of the Bill, the Business Committee would, programme the Bill for consideration during the course of the Fourth Week of this meeting and members are therefore encouraged to participate fully in the consideration of the Bill for the passing of good piece of legislation for the benefit of all”, excerpts of the Business Statement of the House said.

However, the Majority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu, wants the government to come clear on the exact day they intend to withdraw the Bill and reintroduced into the House. According to him, he does not want the House to be taken by surprises; he wants all members to be prepared.