Parliament has approved the controversial Electronic Transactions (E-Levy) Bill on Tuesday afternoon.
This judgment was made after a Majority-sided House finished the Consideration Stage on Tuesday, March 29, 2022.
It was taken into account under a certificate of urgency.
During a Minority walkout, the Bill was enacted at a lower rate of 1.5 percent, down from the initial 1.75 percent.
The bill is anticipated to be signed by President Akufo-Addo.
The levy, which has sparked discussion among Ghanaians, is estimated to generate about $6 billion in tax income for the government.
The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has previously indicated that its structures have been changed and are ready to assure income mobilization.
The Finance Minister was in Parliament today to advocate for the Bill’s passage on the eve of President Akufo-Addo’s State of the Nation Address.
From the start, the Minority Caucus accused the Majority Caucus of sneaking the controversial Electronic Transaction Levy (E-levy) into the Order Paper.
According to the Tamale South MP, the E-levy was not included in this week’s business statement.
However, Deputy Finance Minister Abena Osei-Asare asked Members of Parliament to work together to approve the Electronic Transaction Levy (E-Levy) Bill in order to accelerate the country’s economic recovery.
Ghanaians, she claims, have already embraced the tax collection idea and anticipate it to pass.
This, she claims, will help solve domestic issues impeding local economic growth, resulting in a high cost of living in the country.
However, during a 30-minute recess, the Minority Leader said that his party will oppose the Bill.
He insisted that the conclusion will cause enormous misery for the people. On that point, he motioned for the NDC MPs to leave the chamber.
Following this event, the House, despite the absence of the Minority, began a quick discussion and revision of a few adjustments in the bill, following which the motion to approve it was made.
The Minority-Sided Parliament approved the E-Levy Bill by voice voting.
Speaker Alban Bagbin called the meeting to order for tomorrow, March 30, 2022.
“Honourable members, the Electronic Transfer Levy Bill 2021 duly read the third time and passed,” the Speaker said.
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SOURCE: myjoyonline
