Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has urged his fellow parliamentarians to unite in removing the E-levy and Covid-19 levy. Mr Ablakwa’s call follows President Akufo-Addo’s national address on Sunday, May 28, where he declared the end of Covid-19 as a health emergency in the country and lifted all Covid-related restrictions.
However, despite the announcement that Covid-19 was no longer a health emergency, the government did not eliminate the Covid-19 levy. In his address, President Akufo-Addo acknowledged the less popular nature of the Covid Health Recovery Levy but asked for understanding. He expressed gratitude to the Covid Trust Fund for its invaluable service and noted that its mandate had come to an end.
Responding to this, Mr. Ablakwa took to Facebook and emphasized the need for President Akufo-Addo to be sincere and considerate of the hardships faced by the Ghanaian people. Regarding the E-levy, the lawmaker pointed out that since the government had obtained an IMF bailout, there was no longer a necessity for the E-levy.
He stated, “Ghanaians expected President Akufo-Addo to have announced the scrapping of the unjustifiable COVID-19 levy as he lifts all Covid restrictions. Ghanaians also expected the awful E-Levy to be abolished since his government has opted for an IMF bailout.” Ablakwa’s plea highlights the concerns of many Ghanaians who hope for the removal of these levies in light of the country’s changing circumstances.
“I hope all parliamentarians will come together in the national interest, and take advantage of the mid-year budget review to expunge those two obsolete taxes,” he said. “As President Akufo-Addo continues to let Ghanaians down, Parliament cannot afford to fail. May we be the people’s saving grace. Ghana First.”
Source: Myjoyonline.com
