Former President and National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer John Dramani Mahama has called on the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) to exert pressure on Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia to scrap certain taxes introduced by the current government.
Speaking to GUTA members, Mahama emphasized the urgency of the matter, urging Dr. Bawumia, who doubles as the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, to take immediate action rather than delaying until assuming the presidency.
Dr. Bawumia, in a recent address outlining his presidential ambitions, mentioned plans to eliminate several taxes, including the controversial E-Levy, emissions tax, Value Added Tax (VAT) on electricity, and betting tax.
Despite this, Mahama warned GUTA members against blindly trusting these assurances, emphasizing the importance of holding Dr. Bawumia accountable for his promises.
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“Tell Bawumia to eliminate the E-Levy and other taxes now, not later,” Mahama emphasized during the meeting.
The controversial tax was introduced in 2022, and before the introduction, Vice President Bawumia had declared his opposition to levies on electronic financial transactions in an interview.
The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has emphasised the importance of sustaining the Electronic Transaction Services Levy (e-levy), citing its significant contribution to the nation’s revenue.
With the e-levy generating GH₵1.19billion in 2023, surpassing its target by GH₵83.15million, the GRA has urged stakeholders to refrain from plans to cancel the levy.
