- Oppong Nkrumah defends Bawumia's E-Levy abolition pledge.
- Bawumia initially opposed E-Levy before its introduction.
- NPP promises to abolish E-Levy and betting tax in 2024.
- Oppong Nkrumah assures fulfillment of Bawumia's promise.
Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Vice Chairman of the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Manifesto Committee, has come to the defense of the party’s flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, following his pledge to abolish the controversial E-Levy.
At the NPP’s manifesto launch on Sunday, August 19, in Takoradi, Dr. Bawumia committed to several tax reforms, including the abolition of the E-Levy and betting tax, should he be elected in the 2024 general elections.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has criticized Dr. Bawumia for not advocating for the removal of the E-Levy while serving in the current government. However, Oppong Nkrumah defended Dr. Bawumia, noting his initial opposition to digital payment taxation before the E-Levy’s implementation.
Oppong Nkrumah argued that it would have been unreasonable to expect the Vice President to publicly denounce the policy once it was adopted. He emphasized that Dr. Bawumia had expressed his principal opposition to the E-Levy before its introduction.
The Minister of Information asserted that there is no inconsistency between Dr. Bawumia’s promise to abolish the E-Levy and its current implementation. He urged Ghanaians to trust Dr. Bawumia’s commitment, assuring them that he would fulfill his promise if elected.
Oppong Nkrumah explained that Dr. Bawumia had expressed his position on the E-Levy before it was introduced, and that he had done so again during the manifesto launch. He emphasized that Dr. Bawumia’s commitment to abolishing the E-Levy is genuine.
The Minister noted that Dr. Bawumia had taken collective responsibility for the government’s decisions, including the introduction of the E-Levy. However, he emphasized that Dr. Bawumia’s personal stance on the matter remains unchanged.
Oppong Nkrumah’s defense of Dr. Bawumia comes amid criticism from the NDC that the Vice President is inconsistent in his stance on the E-Levy. However, Oppong Nkrumah’s explanation seeks to clarify Dr. Bawumia’s position and reassure Ghanaians of his commitment to tax reform.
The controversy surrounding the E-Levy has been a major talking point in Ghanaian politics. The NPP’s promise to abolish the E-Levy has been seen as a key campaign pledge, and Oppong Nkrumah’s defense of Dr. Bawumia seeks to reassure voters of the party’s commitment to this promise.
Oppong Nkrumah’s defense of Dr. Bawumia highlights the NPP’s commitment to tax reform and its promise to abolish the E-Levy. The party’s manifesto launch has set out a clear vision for Ghana’s future, and Oppong Nkrumah’s explanation seeks to reassure voters of Dr. Bawumia’s sincerity in his pledge to abolish the E-Levy.
