North Tongu Member of Parliament Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has expressed doubt that persons who are expecting refund due to wrong deductions in the e-levy implementation will receive their money.
In a tweet on Tuesday May 3 he said “I am sorry to bring bad news to all those expecting refunds from the botched implementation of the unconstitutional E-Levy.
“Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has been exposed in the 2019 Auditor-General Report on the Public Accounts of Ghana for issuing illegal instructions to GRA to divert funds (GH¢ 193,277,758) intended for tax refunds contrary to Section 69 of the Revenue Administration Act, 2016 (Act 915). With this Finance Minister/GRA dubious track record, we can only pray for those expecting E-Levy refunds.”
He added “I am absolutely elated to hear former President Mahama’s firm assurance that a future NDC government will repeal the abhorrent and detestable E-Levy. This gives me great hope that even if we do not get the justice we deserve in the Supreme Court & on the streets, E-Levy will go!”
Mr John Dramani Mahama has said a government of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) will abolish the e-levy.
“We in the NDC do not oppose taxation as a principle. We will not be pretentious and couch fanciful slogans to condemn the principle of taxation like the NPP did in the past. We are, however, implacably opposed to distortionary and burdensome taxes like the e-levy that only force Ghanaians to endure more suffering.
“A new National Democratic Congress Government, God willing and with the votes of the sovereign people of Ghana – in 2025 – will repeal the E-Levy Act,” he said while delivering an address titled “Ghana at Crossroad” on Monday May 2.
The controversial levy started on Sunday May 1 amidst public outcry.
The NDC heavily opposed the introduction of the levy.
In their view, it is punitive and amounts to double taxation. The bill was passed by Parliament on Tuesday March 29 after the Minority staged a walkout.
They walked out after their leader Haruna Iddrisu said the NDC MPs remained united in opposing the policy.
On Tuesday April 19 they filed an application at the Supreme Court to block the commencement of the e-levy deductions. Hearing of this application is expected to be heard on Wednesday May 4.
By Laud Nartey|3news.com|Ghana
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