Audio By Carbonatix
The Member of Parliament for the Ajumako Enyan Esiam Constituency, Casiel Ato Forson has described the ruling New Patriotic Party as undemocratic.
He made this statement with reference to the government's decision to push forward the e-levy, despite several calls, especially from the Minority, for it to be withdrawn.
In furtherance of its cause, the Majority Caucus on the Finance Committee of Parliament, on Monday, with the support of the Chairman, voted in favour of the levy. The Finance Committee thus agreed to present the E-Levy bill before the House for further deliberations.
Addressing the media on Monday, December 20, 2021, the Ranking Member on Parliament's Finance Committee, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson said government has turned a deaf ear to the plights of Ghanaians concerning the e-levy, which according to him, most Ghanaians are not in support of.
Dr. Ato Forson noted that, “we are sad. We are sad not only because we lost, but we felt that the NPP does not believe in democracy and if they are determined to do something, they want to push it regardless of the cost.
We the Minority believe that our power is with the people and we are the representation of the people and for any reason, if you're going through legislation, there's the need for you to invite public memoranda and most important, with a Bill of this nature, that most people are complaining about, there's the need to listen to people. But the NPP Majority decided not to listen to us," he said.
Dr. Forson stated that several stakeholders including the E-Commerce Association of Ghana, the Telecommunications Chamber among others had requested to present memoranda against the Bill.
According to him, some of the groups had even suggested alternatives to the government for the generation of revenue.
However, these suggestions have fallen on deaf ears as far as the Majority caucus on the Finance Committee, is concerned.
"After a call for division from their side, the 12 NDC members on the Committee voted against the Bill while the 12 NPP members, excluding the Chairman of the Committee, voted for the Bill," he said.
The Chairman, however, later voted since there was a tie and he voted in favour of the bill. This gave the Majority an upper hand.
He, however, assured that the Minority will do everything (positive) within its power to ensure that the "e-levy does not see the light of day."
Latest Stories
-
Today’s Front pages: Tuesday, January 13, 2026
9 minutes -
Galamsey fight: Western Regional Minister calls for real-time monitoring of water bodies
12 minutes -
NPP has lost its identity, the current party is “fake” – Prof Frimpong-Boateng
22 minutes -
GRA targets GH¢225bn revenue in 2026 as VAT reforms take effect
30 minutes -
Heath Goldfields promises community-centered revival of Bogoso-Prestea Mine
32 minutes -
Ghana’s development visions lack scientific foundation – Frimpong-Boateng
35 minutes -
Interior Minister confirms arrest over fake security service recruitment scheme
37 minutes -
Ghanaians would’ve laughed at us if you were appointed Finance Minister – Richard Nyama to Stephen Amoah
40 minutes -
Police nab suspect who beat landlady to death at Agona Nyakrom
44 minutes -
Re-electing old flagbearer will be a “trainwreck” for NPP – Prof Frimpong-Boateng
45 minutes -
Police arrest seven alleged human traffickers, rescue 48 victims in Ho
49 minutes -
One dead, three injured in ghastly crash on Kibi–Suhum Road
54 minutes -
Bawumia is a nice person but can’t lead Nkrumah’s Ghana – Frimpong-Boateng
1 hour -
Amin Adam took over a rotten economy and fixed it; he isn’t your mate – Richard Nyama to Stephen Amoah
2 hours -
BoG sets strict Ghana Card rule for financial transactions
2 hours
