E-levy: Mobile Money vendors to withdraw services in protest against “regressive” policy

Mobile Money vendors across Ghana will withdraw services in protest against the government’s new Electronic Transaction Levy (E-Levy) policy starting Thursday, 23 December, 2021.

A group known as the Association of Mobile Money Agents which is leading the charge has asked its members to suspend operations to protest against the policy which they describe as “regressive” and could throw them out of business.

The one day event will see various mobile money agents converge at Obra Spot in Accra where they will march through the principal streets of the nations capital and later petition the leadership of Parliament.

“The Union wishes to inform the public, customers, and users of mobile money that as part of actions to register our total displeasure with the government’s proposed e-levy of 1.75%, we deem it necessary to embark on an Industrial action. As an Association that implements all Mobile Money policies through our operators, we see this levy as very regressive and critical to the survival of our businesses”, a statement signed by its General Secretary, Evans Otumfuo.

“Consequently, as part of our demonstration on Thursday, December 23, 2021, our services as Mobile Money Agents will not be accessible across the country. All Agents will go on strike, hence all outlets will remain closed. If all efforts remain futile, an Indefinite action would be taken thereafter. For your use and records.”

MPs must vote for E-levy to develop constituencies, says Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu

Ahead of a showdown in Parliament on the fate of the controversial levy,

Majority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu has rallied parliamentarians to vote massively for the passage of the E-Levy on Monday (20 December) when Parliament resumes.

Speaking at the New Patriotic Party (NPP) national delegates’ conference in Kumasi on Sunday, the MP for Suame said the electronic levy is a game-changer aimed at accelerating development in the various constituencies.

“The E-levy is a major booster for development. Don’t vote against it. It will help build schools, hospitals among others in your constituencies,” Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu said.

Minority against E-Levy

Meanwhile, the Minority in Parliament has said it is still committed to exploring all available legal avenues to get government to rescind its decision to introduce the E-Levy.

It comes after Parliament on Saturday (18 December) approved the 2022 Appropriations Bill without the much-talked about E-Levy.

A statement issued by the Minority said it has always demonstrated commitment to good governance, the 1992 constitution and the standing orders of parliament.

“The minority group in parliament have since the beginning of this parliament demonstrated fidelity to the collective aspirations of the people of this country and most importantly to the constitution of the republic. In commitment to these democratic tenets, the group on some occasions have been the subject of attacks by otherwise concerned members of its own political party. It is therefore without basis for anyone to suggest that this minority group seeks to obstruct government business at the least opportunity,” the Minority statement said.

“On the contrary, we have at every instance demonstrated commitment to good governance, the 1992 constitution and the standing orders of parliament. An objective overview of the group’s stance on the current budget amplifies our fidelity to the national interest.”

“We in the Minority remain committed to exploring lawful and democratic means of getting the government to abandon this insensitive, obnoxious and regressive tax. Absolutely nothing can be more Ghanaian and progressive at this stage, than a demand that Government consider the economic challenges of the ordinary Ghanaian in rolling out taxes,” it added.

SOURCE: DAILY MAIL GH