E-Levy Won’t Be Parliament’s Focus This Week – Minority

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Minority in Parliament says the controversial Electronic Transaction Levy (E-levy) will not occupy the attention of Parliament as it reconvene this week.

According to the Minority, the government has now decided to consult stakeholders before the bill returns to the chamber.

Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, told the media the bill will return to the House Tuesday when Members of Parliament (MPs) return from the Christmas break.

But speaking to Starr News Deputy Minority Chief Whip, Ibrahim Ahmed, disclosed that the business committee has not scheduled the bill for consideration this week.

According to the Banda MP, the government wants to consult the Minority, the NDC, the NPP and the telecommunication networks  before the bill returns to the house.

“Let me state emphatically that clearly contrary to the expectation of many Ghanaians that the almighty E-levy, which brought fighting, commotion and chaos in our Parliament. And held the name of Ghana to public ridicule is not in the business statement of agenda in Parliament from Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday.

“If there would be any discussion at all, it would be next week. Maybe, next week because it would be on the principle that the Finance Minister and the government including our brothers on the Majority side have now seen wisdom in the advice that we gave to them,” he opined.

The Deputy Minority Chief Whip reiterated that the issue of E-levy would only come up in the House when the Majority side consult Ghanaians and engage in stakeholder meetings.

Source: Starrfm.com.gh