Akufo-Addo Didn’t Seek My Intervention On E-levy – Mahama Clarifies
Former President John Mahama has denied claims that President Akufo-Addo consulted him over the controversial E-levy.
The former President however notes he met the cousin of the President Gabby Otchere-Darko at the request of the President over how the two main parties could work together in the interest of the country.
“President Akufo-Addo did not seek my intervention on the E-Levy impasse.
I received Mr. Gabby Otchere Darko, at his request, at my residence on Tuesday 21st December, 2021. Among issues we discussed was the desire of Ghanaians to see the two major political parties working together for the interest of the nation,” Mr. Mahama wrote on Facebook on Wednesday.
He added “We discussed, also, how dialogue can be deployed to ensure Parliamentary issues are agreed consensually before coming on the floor to avoid what happened recently in the House. We further discussed opening channels of communication between the leaders of the two parties including a possible meeting with the President at a future date”.
He however insisted “At no time was there any discussion specifically about the President requiring my intervention in the impasse on the E-levy”.
Meanwhile, Parliament has adjourned sine die failing to pass the controversial E-levy.
The application for adjournment was moved by Majority leader Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu who argued the move is to ensure a serene environment for consideration of the controversial tax. It was supported by the Minority Leader Haruna Iddrisu.
On Monday night, disagreements that heralded voting over the bill caused chaos in the House with some MPs punching their colleagues.
The Minority side were livid after the First deputy Speaker of the House Joe Osei-Wusu who was presiding over affairs declared he was going to take part in voting which was being done by separation.
The Minority has insisted they are against the levy in all of its form and shape describing as ‘killer levy’.
The Majority insists the levy is needed to stop the country from its habitual borrowing.
The proposed levy, which was expected to come into effect on 1 February 2022, is a charge of 1.75% of the value of electronic transactions. It covers mobile money payments, bank transfers, merchant payments, and inward remittances. The originator of the transactions will bear the charge except for inward remittances, which will be borne by the recipient. There is an exemption for transactions up to GH¢100 ($16) per day.
SOURCE: starrfm
