Economist and professor of finance, Godfred A. Bokpin, has welcomed Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s proposal to scrap the electronic transaction level (E-levy) if elected as President on December 7, 2024.
He described Dr Bawumia’s decision as a “bold step”.
However, Prof Bokpin says Dr Bawumia as Vice President, can use his existing influence within the New Patriotic Party to push for the removal of the e-levy and other taxes now, rather than waiting until he is elected.
In a radio interview with Accra-based Peace FM on Monday [August 18, 2024] Prof Bokpin noted that many economists and concerned Ghanaians had advised against the implementation of the e-levy, but the government chose to proceed.
He welcomed Dr Bawumia’s commitment to scrap the tax, emphasizing that the e-levy “has no future in this country,” regardless of who assumes power.
NPP Manifesto
While launching the Election 2024 manifesto of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Takoradi on Sunday, August 18, 2024, Dr Bawumia announced that when given power in the Presidential election slated for December 7, 2024, he will scrap the e-levy.
The e-levy was introduced in May 2022 by the Akufo-Addo-led government to generate more revenue to undertake government projects in the country.
Reacting to Dr Bawumia’s pledge to scrap the tax, Prof Bokpin pointed out that the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) and other presidential aspirants have also pledged to stop the e-levy if given the mandate.