The Mobile Money Agents Association of Ghana (MMAAG) has called on the government to consider effective and efficient ways of mitigating the negative impact of the E-Levy on agents.

In a research conducted by the association, they indicated that the E-Levy has affected their operations; adding that there have been reduced transactions across mobile money platforms.

“The 73%, 80% and 69% respondents have observed reduction in total number of transactions, cash in commission and cash out commission respectively,” the association stated.

They added that “Again, despite having 27% and 17% of respondents hiring new workers and operating new shops, the net impact of the e-levy is negative on employment and expansion of business.”

The association explained that the majority of the respondents thus, the 55% and 45% respondents have laid off workers and closed existing shops following the implementation of the E-levy.

MMAAG believe these issues can be addressed through consultations with key stakeholders, particularly the agents’ association. 

“Such discussions should prioritize the allocation of part of generated revenue towards the remuneration of agents, in the form of commission for playing a significant role in the e-levy mobilization process,” the association added.

The association is also calling on the government to reduce the current E-Levy rate, modify the exemptions of transactions and the daily threshold to ease the negative impact on consumers.

They stated that there is a need for further “broad effective bottom-top consultative approach to efficiently mobilize taxes that support economic growth and development by reviewing the existing e-levy.”

“Government should adopt proactive ways of engaging key stakeholders when introducing new policies,” the association added.