The MP for Madina, Francis-Xavier Sosu has warned of a nationwide boycott of electronic transactions if the controversial Electronic Transactions Bill (E-Levy) which is currently before Parliament is passed into law.

In a tweet, Mr. Sosu stated that “Like E-Levy, this government has always neglected to engage stakeholders before implementation of major policies hence their failure. Even if E-levy passes which I doubt, the widespread nationwide boycotts of momo and e-transactions will only lead to another shameful U-turn.”

The Madina MP who has a background in Economic Policy Management and Conflict, Peace and Security is worried that considering the twin challenges of unemployment and economic hardships, and recent coup d’états in neighbouring Burkina Faso, Mali, and Guinea, the passage of the E-levy could pose serious threats to Ghana’s security and democratic stability.

The proposed E-Levy, if passed, will affect mobile money payments, bank transfers, merchant payments, and remittances into Ghana.

The fee will be paid by persons originating the transaction, except for inward remittances where the recipient pays.

Users would have no option but to pay, considering the widespread use of mobile money in the country as a better alternative to cash.

Meanwhile, the debate on the Electronic Transactions Levy (E-Levy) is expected to take place on Tuesday, February 1, 2022.