The Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta has disclosed that the percentage to be charged as electronic transaction levy (E-levy) remains 1.75%.

This revelation contradicts a statement made by the Deputy Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin who revealed on Tuesday, November 30, that government will reduce the tax from 1.75% to at least 1.5%.  

According to Mr. Afenyo-Markin, government came to that conclusion after listening to the concerns of the Minority in Parliament.

However, at a press briefing on Monday, Mr. Ofori-Atta clarified that even though government is in a rigorous consultation with the Minority Caucus, no modification has been made to the e-levy rate yet.

“The E-levy is still 1.75% and we are in serious consultations, keeping clear our fiscal implication of what it will mean,” he told the media.

A section of Ghanaians including the Minority in Parliament and some economists have kicked against the proposal by government to introduce the e-levy.

The opposers argue that it will intensify the hardships of the average Ghanaian.

But at the media briefing, Mr. Ofori-Atta assured the citizenry that a continuous engagement with the Minority in Parliament and other relevant stakeholders will be held to achieve a consensus on the E-levy.

Noting that the consultations have become necessary due to the severe financial implications associated with the levy, he said the government expects to revert to Parliament soon.

“On the matter of the E-Levy, the elephant in the room, having regards to it serious fiscal implications, we will continue our consultations with the Minority Caucus in Parliament and other relevant stakeholders with a view to achieve a consensus and revert to the House in the shortest possible time,” he said.

The Minister added that the government, “will work with all stakeholders including, Telecommunication companies to ensure that we [government] will respond to the needs of the people.”