Audio By Carbonatix
Government says a bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is not in its plans to restore fiscal stability in the country.
Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta insists that the repercussion of seeking an IMF bailout will not be favourable for the country’s fortunes.
“Consequences are dire, we are a proud nation, we have the resources, we have the capacity. We are not people of short-sight, but we have to move on,” he said on Thursday.
This comes in the wake of economic challenges facing the country which have prompted speculation about a possible step in that direction.
The Finance Ministry is currently praying Parliament to consider its proposal of a 1.75% electronic transactions levy (E-Levy) in the 2022 budget to increase revenue.
This commitment is facing fierce opposition from the Minority in the House who have cited concerns of exacerbating the plight of ordinary Ghanaians.
Speaking at a Townhall Meeting in Tamale over the said levy, the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta explained that it will not seek the assistance of the IMF.
However, government will resort to "homegrown" alternatives to boost the economy.
"I can say; we are not going to the IMF. Whatever we do, we are not... So let’s think of who we are as strong proud people, the shining star of Africa, and we have the capacity to do whatever we want to do if we speak one language and ensure that we share the burden in the issues ahead,” he said.
The controversial E-Levy is estimated to rake in some ¢6.9 billion annually, according to the Finance Ministry.
Thursday’s event was the third in a series of town hall meetings geared towards sensitizing the populace on the controversial levy.
Latest Stories
-
National standardised test will identify learning gaps, not fail pupils – Dr. Apaak
10 minutes -
The AI infrastructure race is not the only race that matters
15 minutes -
2026 Ga Homowo Health Walk set for bigger show as Bills Micro Credit donates GH¢350,000
24 minutes -
71% of HR professionals say they are underpaid — SEDAT report urges action on pay inequity
31 minutes -
Africa’s future depends on moving people, skills and ideas across borders — Dr Yamson
39 minutes -
Bright Future Alliance calls for stronger accountability in public and corporate institutions
41 minutes -
Newsfile to discuss Wontumi’s jail term, Ofori-Atta’s US immigration win, Mid-Year Budget Review
51 minutes -
Apinto chiefs demand equity stake in Gold Fields Tarkwa Mine as lease renewal talks continue
57 minutes -
IJM Ghana trains child protection and justice professionals in trauma-informed care
1 hour -
Aggrieved assembly members to pass vote of no confidence against Ejisu MCE
1 hour -
Military reaffirms commitment to peace and national unity ahead of Teshie Homowo celebration
1 hour -
WAFCON 2026: Black Queens name final 25 players for tournament
1 hour -
Immigrants contribute 9% to South Africa’s GDP despite making up 6.5% of population — Report
1 hour -
Komfo Anokye Blood Bank appeals for more donors amid fears of blood shortage due to rising road crashes
1 hour -
Hollard Insurance launches ‘We Cover You’ campaign to boost Insurance awareness
2 hours