Sunyani: Owners of small-scale businesses in the Sunyani Municipality express satisfaction with the decision to abolish the e-levy and betting taxes, as announced by President John Dramani Mahama for the 2024 election campaign.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, the Minister of Finance, presented the government's first Business Statement and Economic Policy to Parliament on March 11, announcing the removal of these two economic taxes. In a post-budget interview with GNA in Sunyani, business owners conveyed that this decision has increased their confidence in President Mahama's plans for building a robust economy.
Muhammad, a mobile money vendor, described the e-levy tax abolishment as "welcome news," highlighting that the tax had been detrimental to their business. He explained that since the e-levy was introduced by the previous government, the mobile money sector had faced challenges, with many customers ceasing their transactions.
A mobile phone and accessories dealer, who preferred to remain anonymous, also expressed that the removal of the e-levy would benefit him and others who predominantly engage in online shopping. Mr. Kwaku Gyimah, a footwear dealer, praised President Mahama for cancelling the betting tax, noting its positive implications for his business.
However, not all feedback was entirely positive. Madam Akosua Comfort, a dealer in second-hand clothing, expressed concerns about the potential revenue implications of abolishing these taxes. She argued that taxation is a significant source of government revenue and suggested that instead of eliminating these taxes, the government could utilize the revenue to develop ICT laboratories and libraries for basic schools.
