Ranking Member on Parliament\u2019s Finance Committee, Dr Cassiel\u00a0Ato Forson, says government has exaggerated the gains the Electronic Transaction levy (E-levy) Bill will bring to Ghanaians.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Speaking on the floor of the House on Tuesday, Dr Ato Forson disclosed how the levy has been touted as the panacea for the distressed Ghanaian economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cToday, we\u2019ve been told this tax can cure most of the sicknesses of this Ghanaian economy to the extent that this tax is more powerful than most of the herbal medicines that we have seen.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He further alleged that it has been said that \u201cthis tax can even cure Honourable Okudzeto Ablakwa\u2019s bald head\u201d.d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His submission on the North Tongu MP\u2019s hair loss gave rise to a moment of laughter in Parliament despite a heated debate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dr Ato Forson made the comment after the Majority in Parliament moved a motion to consider the implementation of the 1.5% E-levy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta and Minister of State in charge of Finance, Charles Adu-Boahen, were present in the House today to facilitate the passage of the bill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to the Ajumako-Enyan-Esiam MP, the controversial bill is not sufficient to rid Ghana of all its economic challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He, therefore, entreated Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta \u201cto come with a comprehensive package in restoring economic stability and not to concentrate as of E-levy is the panacea to our economic problems.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dr Ato Forson believes the Electronic Transaction levy should not be described as such but rather \u201cdigital pocket tax\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He said such a name is appropriate because \u201cthis is a dangerous tax. It is a tax seeking to digitally take money from the pocket.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n