Parliament to vote on controversial e-levy today

Parliament will later today, Monday, December 20, 2021, convene to consider key elements critical to the operation of the 2022 budget, notably, the Electronic Transaction Levy (E-Levy).

The E-Levy has been a bone of contention between both sides of the House as well as members of the public since its announcement by the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta.

If approved, a 1.75% levy will be imposed on all electronic transactions including mobile money transfers and inward remittances above a Ghc100 threshold.

On Friday, December 17, 2021, parliament passed the Appropriations Bill after budget estimates for various Ministries, Departments and agencies were approved.

However, consideration of the e-levy reached a stalemate.

The Minority is strongly opposed to the levy and is requesting a total scrap. But the Majority insists this move will help mobilise much needed funds for developmental projects as well as widen the tax net.

The bill was laid before the House on December 17, 2021, and was subsequently referred to the Finance Committee.