Tuesday’s edition of the Super Morning Show centered on Ghana’s current debt situation, how to bridge the gap between revenue and expenditure.

The decision to introduce the e-levy to raise revenue for the state without borrowing was also discussed.

The show hosted the Deputy Finance Minister, John Kumah, and the CEO of Dalex Finance Ken Thompson .

During the show, Mr. Ken Thompson asked the government to re-examine its outlined modes for revenue generation, especially the proposed Electronic Transaction Levy (e-levy).

Mr. Thompson stated that ongoing discussions by the government to raise revenue through the e-levy is a non-starter.

His comment was particularly in reaction to claims by some government officials that the levy, if not approved, will affect major development projects the government intends to embark on. Others, including Deputy Majority Leader and MP for Effutu Constituency, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, and Tema Central MP, Nii Noi Hanson-Nortey, have also described the levy as a game-changer.

But Mr. Ken Thompson disagreed with this assertion emphasising that “the e-levy is not the game-changer.”

Deputy Finance Minister, John Kumah, also clarified that the Electronic Transaction Levy (e-levy) is not the panacea for the problems facing the country. He noted that government has never given that indication.

“The rhetoric that the e-levy is a game-changer and an answer to all problems of our country, the government has not said that.”

He further asked Economist with the University of Ghana Business School (UGBS), Prof. Godfred Alufar Bokpin, to live by his own advice in reference to a statement made by the Professor regarding the government’s expenditure and its decision to introduce the e-levy.

The Economics Lecturer, as part of solutions to resolving Ghana’s debt crisis, advised government to eradicate wasteful spending and ensure discipline in revenue generation and expenditure since these are more sustainable techniques than raising revenue through the proposed e-levy.

He further argued that “a spoilt child needs discipline, not more money,” hence, efficient revenue control should be government’s lifestyle.

In a reaction to these claims on the Super Morning Show, the Deputy Finance Minister found it ironic that such comments were coming from Prof Bokpin who is among lecturers, who are on strike and demanding an increase in salary.

“You’re refusing to agree with government on raising revenue at the same time you’re telling government it must cut expenditures which we are happy to do. When we’re doing all these cuttings and tightenings, the same people are on strike asking for more money. How do we balance all these?” he asked.