The Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has alleged that the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has not been contracted by government to collect funds generated from the much-debated electronic transaction levy (E-levy).

Taking to his Facebook page, he insisted that the sum of ¢242million under the electronic transaction levy (E-levy) in government’s 2022 budget has rather been expunged as indicated to him by a “deep throat and unimpeachable” source within Cabinet.

“As we assured, the notoriously sleazy allocation of GHS242million for dubious e-Transaction Levy Services has been surgically expunged following our formidable resistance in Parliament.

“Note: it hasn’t been reallocated to the GRA – it’s been totally removed. Deal quashed!” Mr Ablakwa communicated.

However, the Finance Ministry has said otherwise.

According to the Ministry, the Ghana Revenue Authority is the only institution going to provide the collection services at a fee that will not exceed the standard cost of revenue mobilisation.

“GRA will manage all discussions to ensure full deployment of their current platforms and resources for the collection of the E-Levy,” the Ministry noted.

Also, the Ministry dispelled claims by the North Tongu MP that an allocation of ¢241,933,000 under the electronic transaction levy (E-levy) in government’s 2022 budget has been removed from the final Appropriation Act.

Meanwhile, Mr Ablakwa has stated that the Minority’s objective will be to ensure the E-levy Bill to be debated in the House is rejected.

“Now, we gird our loins for the main E-Levy battle on Monday. May we be successful in cutting off the head of this poisonous snake,” he added.

His comment comes to support the Minority leader, Haruna Iddrisu’s statement that his side of the House is prepared for the Majority over the approval or otherwise of the bill.

“E-levy means a lot to the Ghanaians and us. If you want E-levy, we are ready for you on Monday and Tuesday in the full glare of the public. We will debate it and vote and take a decision as appropriate. We will debate the policy and the principle of it. We will tell Ghanaians where we stand. That we do not think you are sensitive enough to proceed further with it.”

But contrary to the Minority’s position, Majority leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu is optimistic that the bill will be approved to ensure that many constituencies in the country see infrastructural development.

“The E-levy will be a major booster for these endeavours. That is why I believe that Members of Parliament will not vote against the E-levy to deny their constituents the benefit of basic infrastructural facilities,” he said.