Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, a member of parliament representing North Tongu, has asked his fellow representatives to work together to abolish the E-charge and Covid-19 levy.
Following President Akufo-Addo's national speech on May 28 in which he proclaimed the end of Covid-19 a health emergency in the nation and eliminated all Covid-related restrictions, Mr. Ablakwa made the call.
The government did not abolish the Covid-19 fee, even after declaring that Covid-19 was no longer a health emergency.
President Akufo-Addo admitted in his speech that the Covid Health Recovery Levy was not widely supported, but he begged for forgiveness. He thanked the Covid Trust Fund for its important assistance and stated that its mission was complete.
In response, Mr. Ablakwa posted on Facebook and emphasized the need for President Akufo-Addo to be sincere and considerate of the hardships faced by the Ghanaian people.
Regarding the E-levy, the lawmaker pointed out that since the government had obtained an IMF bailout, there was no longer a necessity for the E-levy.
He stated, “Ghanaians expected President Akufo-Addo to have announced the scrapping of the unjustifiable COVID-19 levy as he lifts all Covid restrictions. Ghanaians also expected the awful E-Levy to be abolished since his government has opted for an IMF bailout.”
Ablakwa’s plea highlights the concerns of many Ghanaians who hope for the removal of these levies in light of the country’s changing circumstances.
“I hope all parliamentarians will come together in the national interest, and take advantage of the mid-year budget review to expunge those two obsolete taxes,” he said.
“As President Akufo-Addo continues to let Ghanaians down, Parliament cannot afford to fail. May we be the people’s saving grace. Ghana First.”