A Gov’t that lies to its citizens about taxation is not only cruel but very disrespectful: The Unjust taxation on MOMO transfers & Sch fees – The Whistle Blower blows it hot

Governments worldwide derive a significant portion of their revenue from taxation, a system designed to fund public services and infrastructure. While the principle of taxation is generally accepted, the methods and ethics behind its implementation can be subjects of scrutiny. One particularly contentious issue that has emerged in recent times is the taxation of mobile money transfers to personal accounts and school fees. When a government imposes unjust taxes on such essential services, it not only displays cruelty but also a profound disrespect for its citizens.

In an era characterized by technological advancements and digitalization, mobile money transfers have become an integral part of everyday life for millions around the globe. These transfers serve as lifelines for individuals, enabling them to send and receive money swiftly, securely, and conveniently. Whether it’s sending remittances to family members, paying for goods and services, or covering essential expenses like school fees, mobile money platforms have revolutionized financial transactions, especially in regions where traditional banking infrastructure is lacking.
While the convenience of mobile money transfers is undeniable, it has unfortunately caught the attention of governments seeking to boost their revenue streams.

In an interview on BBC with the president of Ghana, NANA ADDO DANQUAH AKUFFO ADDO said to the questioner who wanted to know why he, NANA ADDO DANQUAH AKUFFO ADDO wanted to tax the impoverished Ghanaians. The President was quick to respond that Ghanaians are not impoverished and that the mobile money industry is growing and that, his government thinks they can tax that industry to make more money for government coffers.

I dare say that the President of the Republic does not know the demographics of the people he rules over. Hence, that unfortunate comment.

The NANA ADDO and BAWUMIA LED government has deceptively collected taxes from Ghanaians more than any known government after independence. In some instances, they have imposed taxes under the guise of regulatory measures or revenue-generation strategies.

However, when such taxes target essential transactions like sending money to personal accounts or paying school fees, they disproportionately impact vulnerable populations.

Taxing essential services such as mobile money transfers for personal use and school fees is inherently cruel for several reasons:

Burden on Vulnerable Populations:

Many individuals who rely on mobile money transfers for personal expenses or school fees are from low-income backgrounds (Bawumia, 2020 on Peace FM).

Imposing taxes on these transactions places an undue financial burden on those who can least afford it, potentially depriving them of essential services like education.

Stifling Economic Growth

Mobile money platforms have been instrumental in promoting financial inclusion and economic growth, particularly in developing regions. Taxing these transactions could hamper their widespread adoption, thereby hindering economic progress and exacerbating existing inequalities.
Beyond its inherent cruelty, unjust taxation on essential services like mobile money transfers and school fees reflects a profound disrespect for citizens:

Betrayal of Trust

Governments have a fundamental responsibility to act in the best interests of their citizens. Imposing deceptive or unjust taxes on essential services breaches this trust, undermining public confidence in the governing institutions.

The minister of communication organized a press conference to assure Ghanaians that transacting money from your bank account to your wallet would not be taxed, but is that the case? In a similar interview, the minister of information also to the Ghanaian public that transferring money to pay school fees will not be taxed. Is that the case in today’s Ghana? WHY HAS EVERYTHING UNDER THIS GOVERNMENT RELATED TO MONEY SHROUDED IN SECRET?

Neglect of Citizen Welfare

By prioritizing revenue generation over citizen welfare, governments that unjustly tax mobile money transfers and school fees demonstrate a misplaced set of priorities. Such actions suggest a disregard for the well-being and prosperity of the very people they are elected to serve.

The apparent contradiction between promoting non-taxability for certain financial transactions, such as transferring money from a bank account to a mobile money account or using mobile money to pay fees, while subsequently imposing taxes on these transactions can be perplexing and frustrating for citizens.

Such inconsistencies can erode trust between the government and its constituents.
It is sad when a government that came into office with a slogan of moving from TAXATION TO PRODUCTION is the one illegally taxing the poor man yet, CLAIMING TO BREAK THE 8 AT ALL COST.

In the bustling heart of the city, murmurs of discontent are echoing through the streets, cafes, and markets. Citizens are gathering, not for celebrations or merriment, but to voice their growing frustration with a government they believe is losing touch with reality. As the sun is setting, casting long shadows over the city’s landmarks, a narrative is emerging, deeply rooted in skepticism and mistrust.

“It’s either they are playing a high-stakes game of chess, trying to outwit us at every turn, or they genuinely believe we are naive and easily deceived,” remarks MUSTAPHA, a local shop owner known for his candid views. His sentiment resonates with many who feel that the current administration is mastering the art of spinning tales while their pockets are growing heavier at the expense of the ordinary citizen.

Illegal taxing is becoming the hallmark of this regime. Every corner of daily life seems burdened with new levies, fees, and tariffs. Yet, when being pressed for transparency and accountability, the government’s responses are vague, and shrouded in ambiguity.

Infrastructure projects promised with fervor remain incomplete, public services are deteriorating, and the once-vibrant economy has fallen into comatose with IMF life-sustaining kits cushioning it.

“This isn’t governance; it’s deception,” exclaims Teacher KWAME, a teacher witnessing firsthand the decline in educational standards and resources yet, being told by the West Africa Examination Council that the students are doing so well.

We all know that schools are lacking essential supplies to the extent that headmasters who have boldly come out to report the issue have been interdicted.

Teachers’ allowances are going unpaid for months with a section of teachers still FIGHTING the minister of Education for their UNPAID August 2023 Salaries and an all-year-round work allowance, and yet, the taxman’s relentless pursuit is continuing, siphoning off hard-earned money with no visible return on investment for the citizens.

As days are turning into weeks and weeks into months, the narrative is growing stronger, fueled by grassroots movements, social media campaigns, and civil society organizations. The cry for justice, transparency, and genuine leadership is echoing across the nation, challenging the status quo and demanding accountability.
While the government is continuing its charade, attempting to paint a rosy picture of progress and prosperity, the citizens are no longer passive observers. They are awakening to the harsh realities of unchecked power, hollow promises, and the undeniable truth that their voices, united in purpose and conviction, have the power to reshape the destiny of their nation.

In this crucible of discontent and defiance, the battle lines are being drawn. The government’s tactics of illegal taxing, coupled with empty promises, are igniting a spark within the citizenry. It is a spark that may be extinguished by apathy and despair or fuel a movement that will redefine the very essence of governance, accountability, and democracy. The stakes are high, and the outcome is uncertain, but one thing is clear: the citizens will no longer be silenced or deceived.

Their quest for justice, transparency, and a government that truly serves the people is only just beginning.

Source: THE WHISTLE BLOWER