Member of Parliament for North Tongu Constituency, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa says the house will ensure that COVID-19 levy and the e-levy are scrapped off.
The lawmaker expressed his disappointment in President Nana Akufo-Addo for failing to scrap the two taxes following his last update on the pandemic to the nation on Sunday, May 28, 2023.
President Akufo-Addo in his address declared that the global Covid-19 pandemic is over in Ghana and added that “we are back to the pre-COVID situation as far as health entry requirements are concerned.”
Touching on the expenditures on the covid-19, he said his administration never took advantage of the pandemic for profiteering.
“Let me make it clear that COVID expenditures, essentially unplanned, have been subject, at my instigation, to audit by the Auditor-General, and are going through parliamentary processes. We all deserve to be reassured that the crisis was not used as a cover for corrupt practices.
The COVID Health Recovery Levy that was introduced to help fill some of the expenditure holes might not be the most popular tax, but I entreat all of you to bear with us,” he said.
Reacting to the President’s address, Mr. Ablakwa assured the public that together with his colleague lawmakers they will push for the removal of the two taxes in the Mid-Year Budget Review.
“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.”
He also asked President Akufo-Addo to be sincere and sensitive to the plight of suffering Ghanaians.
“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.
“As President Akufo-Addo continues to let Ghanaians down, Parliament cannot afford to fail. May we be the people’s saving grace,” the Lawmaker posted.
