The Minority Chief Whip in Parliament, Muntaka Mubarak says the Minority is unwavering on its position to reject the imposition of an electronic transaction tax also known as E-levy by government.

In a press statement sighted by JoyNews, the Minority Chief Whip indicated that his side has reached no consensus with the Majority over the approval of the 2022 budget.

“We wish to state unequivocally that no concrete decision or agreement has been reached between government and the NDC Caucus in Parliament on this matter.

“As we speak, government’s so-called concessions are unknown to us and we have no clear indication that they intend to seriously consider any of the proposals that have come up.”

In view of this, the Asawase MP affirmed that the NDC Caucus in Parliament remains committed to its calls for the suspension of the “regressive, punitive and draconian” budget that government is seeking to impose on the ordinary Ghanaian.

“The NDC Caucus in Parliament wishes to assure Ghanaians that it will continue to use every legitimate and lawful channel to resist the 1.75% E-Levy,” he assured.

Also taking to social media on Friday to register the Minority’s commitment, the MP for Ningo-Prampram, Sam George stressed that the Minority will at both committee level and plenary reject the imposition of an E-levy.

“That’s the will of the people,” he added.

Their assurances follow reports that the Minority will settle for the imposition of 1% E-levy by government.

According to sources, Minority Leader in Parliament, Haruna Iddrisu, speaking at the 10th Anniversary launch of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications in Accra on Thursday said his side will readily accept a reduction of the proposed electronic transaction levy (e-levy) to 1% from 1.75%.

“A week ago, it was no no no, we won’t accept e-levy but having listened to officials in government, including the Minister of Finance. I am convinced to accept a departure from my original no to accepting a one per cent e-levy,” he said.

He added that “we are not against it but we want it fixed at one per cent. We fear for double taxation because we already have the communication services tax.”

However, Felix Ofosu Kwakye who is the aide to former President John Mahama says the statement by the Minority leader has been misconstrued.

Speaking on Accra-based Metro TV, he stated that interactions with the Tamale MP reveal that the Minority is committed to opposing the levy entirely and not settle for one percent imposition.

“From my discussions with him, he has permitted me to state authoritatively, for the avoidance of doubt that he will be joining all his 136 colleagues to reject this budget anytime it comes up if all the six conditions they have tabled are not met including zero percent E-levy.

This is the position of the Minority leader,” he stated.

Minority’s conditions for approval of 2022 budget

The Minority in Parliament has outlined 5 conditions under which it will approve the 2022 budget presented to Parliament by the Finance Minister on Wednesday, November 17, 2021.

The Minority wants government to withdraw the Agyapa deal and suspend the proposed 1.75% e-levy. The Minority has also advocated for a proper reconstruction of paragraph 829 of the Aker Energy deal relating to GNPC’s acquisition of stake from Aker Energy and AGM Petroleum.

In addition to these, the Minority wants government to review the benchmark value for imports as well as provide for the Keta tidal waves disaster.