The Mobile Money Agents Association of Ghana’s (MMAAG) leadership has stated its intention to initiate industrial action on Thursday, December 23.
“All agents will go on strike hence all outlets will remain closed.”
This was said in a statement on Sunday, December 19, and is in reference to the yet-to-be-introduced Electronic Transfer Levy, abbreviated as e-levy, which was announced in the Minister of Finance’s 2022 budget statement.
Since Ken Ofori-Atta announced the policy on Wednesday, November 17, there has been a range of reactions.
For example, the Minority in Parliament has voiced significant opposition to the program, alleging it is “draconian” and would exacerbate the situation of the average Ghanaian.
Minorities cannot support the e-levy – Haruna to the government
MTN and AirtelTigo declared last Friday that they would reduce their costs to cushion consumers if the Levy takes effect.
But MMAAG insists its members’ action on Thursday is to register “our total displeasure with the Government’s proposed e-levy of 1.75%”.
The Association said it deems it “necessary to embark on an industrial action” as members see the levy as “very regressive” and “critical to the survival of our businesses”.
They warned that if their demands are not granted, an indefinite strike would be called.
The Levy is now being discussed in Parliament and is scheduled to conclude on Monday, December 20.
It proposes a levy of 1.75 percent on all electronic transactions over GH100.
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SOURCE: 3NEWS
