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Former General Secretary of the Christian Council of Ghana, Rev. Dr. Opuni Frimpong, has petitioned the government to suspend the contentious E-Levy program.
Speaking to Kwame Nkrumah Tikese on Okay FM in a telephone conversation live, Rev. Dr. Opuni Frimpong contends that a proactive government should have additional revenue-generating strategies available to fund development initiatives.
For this reason, the clergyman suggests a temporary suspension of the e-levy followed by further dialogue and education as majority of Ghanaians don’t like the policy.
According to him, given the widespread resistance to the E-levy, the government should take its time to educate Ghanaians on its need.
To him, a government must respect the will of the people and not seem authoritarian in making significant choices that may not be popular.
“Leaders must not just accept responsibilities for the sufferings of others while they jealously protect their comfort. Empathy in leadership must always be upheld.
“I believe that government should have a thorough discussion and stakeholder engagement to ensure that the E-Levy policy is accepted by all before implementing it,” he stated.
Dr Opuni-Frimpong, who has no objection to taxing the populace in general, added: “When the government implemented VAT, the whole country was up in arms against it.” The NPP was in opposition at the time, while the NDC was in power.
“What they did better during that time was that due to the opposition to the VAT, the government temporarily suspended its implementation and engaged Ghanaians to understand the need for it before bringing it back….Countries across the world developed through taxes and so the payment of taxes are good.”
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