Parliament resumes today

The House of Legislature will reconvene today, January 25, 2022 after a month-long recess.

The last sitting of its first session in December 2021 ended in fisticuffs during consideration the controversial Electronic Transaction Levy Bill.

Following the dramatic session, sitting was adjourned to permit for broader deliberation on the Bill.

However, it seems very little may change as the Minority has reiterated its strong opposition to the e-levy.

According to the side, no NDC MP was consulted on the matter during recess.

At a town hall meeting on Monday, January 24 2022, organised by the National Democratic Congress (NDC), MP for Yapei-Kusawgu, John Jinapor noted that “not a single NDC MP has been consulted on the e-levy. We will continue to oppose it if re-introduced.”

Meanwhile, the Majority is confident the Electronic Transaction Levy will be passed during the Eight Parliament’s second session, after failed attempts in December.

Government is expected to hold a town hall meeting on the E-Levy on Thursday, January 27, 2022, to gauge the level of reception by the public.

The Minister for Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, Minister for Communication and Digitalization, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, Minister for Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah and Deputy Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin are expected to be at the downhill meeting.

Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and other relevant industry stakeholders are also expected to be present.

About the E-Levy

The Electronic Transaction Levy Bill, if passed will impose a charge of 1.75% on all electronic transactions exceeding a Ghc 100 daily.

This was announced by government in the 2022 Budget as part of efforts to widen the tax net and mobilise enough revenue to undertake developmental projects.