The e-levy would not erode the gains earned in digital transactions, according to Ursula Owusu Ekuful, Minister of Communication and Digitalization.
She believes the e-levy will create enough cash for the government to fund national development.
She compared the public reaction to the E-levy to the Communication Services Tax (CST), arguing that despite the many criticisms and opposition to the CST, also known as the ‘talk tax,’ it was passed, and the results have been impressive. She was speaking at the government’s first town hall meeting on the controversial tax in the Eastern Regional capital of Koforidua.
She noted that, while she was first opposed to the CST, she now sees how beneficial it has been and is convinced that the E-levy would follow in the same footsteps.
“Our combined experience demonstrates that, despite their initial hostility to many of these interventions [including the CST], they’ve proven to be worth the wait,” she said.
“I appeal to them [minorities] to cooperate with government and work with us to pass this levy as well, because the outcome of the Communication Services Tax, which clearly did not destroy the industry, will be evident post-implementation of this levy as we all work collectively to enhance access to and use of digital platforms working with Ministry of Finance to ensure that digital financial services become the norm as we strive to become a service.
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