Decision to stop implementation of E-Levy is “political gimmick” – Gabby

Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, the founder of the Danquah Institute (DI), has called the Minority in Parliament’s decision to appeal the Supreme Court’s decision to stop the E-implementation Levy’s a “political gimmick.”

The Minority, according to Otchere-Darko, is aware that its attempt to halt the collection of the E-Levy will fail, but has taken the step to appease party supporters.

“I don’t want to pre-empt it [the outcome of the case], but I think that legal move was just made… is what I call ‘legashi’ [meaning, you know it won’t go anywhere, but you want to flex your muscles and maybe satisfy the grass roots],” Otchere-Darko said in an interview with Asaase Radio’s Beatrice Adu. What, after all, is a quorum nowadays? Is there a total of 137 or 138 [MPs in the chamber]?

“So, I’m saying that they [Minority] are well aware that the case they have before the court is unlikely to succeed. If you ask me, it’s a political gimmick, but they have to show their grassroots that they’re doing something about it.

“But, in any case, allow it.” Let us see what the court has to say.”
To avoid problems, E-Levy must work efficiently.

Otchere-Darko also expressed his confidence in the efficiency of the system designed to collect the Electronic Transfer Levy.

“Do I believe Ghana requires the E-Levy?” There are no two ways about it: Ghana needs to raise more taxes. “I see the E-Levy as yet another tax,” the political strategist added.

“Keep in mind that there are a lot of transactions that would normally be subject to VAT, and those transactions are taking place online.” My hope is that the system for collecting the E-Levy is efficient and does not cause bottlenecks or problems.” Otchere-Darko said.