The Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta has reiterated the need for the Electronic Transaction Levy (e-levy) to be passed by Parliament.

Addressing the media on Wednesday, he stated that the e-levy is an important tool that would help increase the tax to GDP.

“Ladies and gentlemen the E-levy is a necessary tool to increase our tax to GDP from circa 11.13 % to 16% and above to guarantee that we pay for what we use,” he said.

The 1.75% e-Levy, which has become a subject of debate among Ghanaians, when approved, is expected to rake in a little above GH¢6 billion in tax revenue for the country.  

Mr. Ofori-Atta said the levy would ensure that the country moves towards a more sustainable level, adding that it would also “ensure that we have revenue to sustainably invest in entrepreneurship, youth employment, cyber security, digital and road infrastructure.”

He added that the levy would serve as a means to make Ghanaians contribute to help develop the economy.

“E-Levy also provides a means for all Ghanaians to help support their country and grow this economy as complaint citizens giving to Caesar what belongs to Caesar.

 He noted that the E-levy Bill would be resubmitted to Parliament on January 25.