Member of Parliament for Anyaa Sowutuom, Dr Dickson Adomako Kissi, has indicated that the Finance Ministry is considering the reduction of the current rate of the Electronic Transaction Levy (e-levy) further downwards.

Speaking on JoyNews' AM Show on Wednesday, he noted that the current stance of the Ministry stems from the outcome of the various town hall meetings held by government.

"What I can say here is that I'm so happy through these town hall meetings, the Finance Minister is adjusting, which shows that he is listening and also that he is moving gradually from where he stood firmly. That is remarkable for me. I'm happy that it has come to 1.5% and it is even further down."

"It is going further down. I have had interactions with the Finance Ministry," he said.

Interacting with host, Benjamin Akakpo, Dr Kissi added that: "Finance Minister was at 1.75% with the telcos taking 0.25%. Now, he is actually looking at moving to 1.5% and still the telcos absorbing the 0.25% which then brings it to 1.25%. These are concessions the Finance Ministry is making."

Finance Minister earlier noted that the e-levy to be passed by government would be at a rate of 1.75%. Following opposition from the Minority in Parliament and members of the general public, government reduced the rate.

Government proposed that the levy would be at 1.5% but this was also rejected by the Minority. Government then made known its intention to withdraw the E-levy Bill and reintroduce a revised version for consideration on Tuesday, February 15.

Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, however, noted that government has suspended the withdrawal and re-laying of a revised E-levy Bill indefinitely.

Amidst the impasse, government has been holding town hall meetings to educate the populace on the advantages the E-levy Bill will bring to Ghanaians when passed. Government has said revenues generated would be used to address the infrastructural challenges, unemployment among others.

Meanwhile, the Anyaa Sowutuom MP is confident the E-levy Bill will be passed when Parliament considers it again.

To this end, Dr. Adomako Kissi called on the Minority to disembark from their stance of disapproval. According to him, the NDC MPs must acknowledge the concessions made by government and halt the politicking.

"Our folks from the other side should come out and be truthful about some of the concessions that the Finance Minister has made.

"They should come on board and agree that we have played hardball, we've made our point but we are at crossroads. It's the country's destiny in our hands. And I think that enough of politicking and partisan things. Let's think as a country and for the country and the people we serve. It is a bitter pill. Sometimes you give a bitter pill to heal the people."

"There are pluses to the e-levy which they should admit. I want to hear some NDC members of Parliament at least acknowledge that 'listen, there are some pluses to this and these are the ones we don't like'. But to have that entrenched position that everything about it smells, tastes and feels funny, it's not fair," he stressed.