Vacant seats: NDC to scrap E-levy, betting tax with new ‘Majority’

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has pledged to leverage its newly declared “majority status” in Parliament to alleviate the tax burden on Ghanaians.

The Minority Leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, stated that controversial taxes, including the Electronic Transfers Levy (E-Levy) and betting taxes, would be scrapped.

Speaking at a press conference on Sunday (20 October) following Speaker Alban Bagbin’s ruling, which declared four parliamentary seats vacant, Dr. Ato Forson affirmed the party’s commitment to reducing what he described as “nuisance taxes.”

He reiterated that “the NDC’s majority status” would be used to ease the economic hardships caused by the policies of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) government. Dr. Forson assured the public that the NDC’s immediate focus would be on removing taxes that have caused widespread dissatisfaction.

“It is indeed true that we will use our new majority numbers to benefit Ghanaians by introducing private members’ bills to remove the e-Levy to reduce the suffering of the people. It is also true that we will use our new majority to remove the betting tax and other nuisance taxes.”

The e-Levy, introduced by the NPP government, has been a source of public outcry since its implementation, with many citizens and businesses complaining about its adverse impact on transactions and economic activity.

Similarly, the recent introduction of a tax on betting and gaming has stirred controversy, particularly among the youth, who rely on these platforms for income.

Dr. Forson further criticized the NPP government for creating a “high tax regime” that, according to him, has stifled businesses and pushed many Ghanaians to the brink of financial ruin. He assured the business community and the general public that the NDC’s majority would work to protect their interests.

“Already, this NPP government has made Ghana a high tax regime, and that is affecting the survival of businesses and the people. We assure you that we will use our new majority to protect businesses and the people of Ghana, as we have always maintained,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court’s stay of execution on Speaker Bagbin’s ruling, which initially declared four seats vacant, has temporarily halted the shift in parliamentary dynamics.

Nevertheless, the NDC insists it will defend its majority status and use its influence to introduce legislative reforms aimed at reducing the financial burden on Ghanaians.

Parliament is expected to resume sitting on Tuesday (22 October) where the Speaker’s response to the Supreme Court ruling is highly anticipated.

SOURCE: DAILY MAIL GH

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