The minority in Parliament is unhappy with the uncertainty created around the timing for the consideration of the house.
Both the Minority leader Haruna Iddrisu and Minority Chief Whip Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak accused the majority side of a ploy to take the NDC caucus by surprise during the discussion of the business statement of Parliament for the week beginning on Tuesday 8 February to Friday 11 February 2022.
The minority leadership raised the concern after it was disclosed that the E-levy ‘may be’ withdrawn and reintroduced by the Finance Minister.
Minority leader Haruna Iddrisu expressed the suspicion that the majority side had a plan to introduce the bill in the house when they are confident they had the advantage of numbers to pass it.
Despite high expectations, little has been heard this week in Parliament of the bill that is intended to introduce a 1.75% levy on Mobile money and other electronic financial transactions above GH¢100.
The Majority Leader earlier in the week claimed the delay is because of purported consultations being undertaken by government.
Deputy Majority leader Alexander Afenyo Markins told Parliament on February 4 2022, that House’s Business Committee has made room for the possible withdrawal of the bill next week.
Minority Chief Whip Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak is however unhappy with the uncertainty of the communication from the deputy Majority leader as no clear timelines were given.
The announced withdrawal of the bill maybe intended to amend the charge of the levy from 1.75% to 1.5% which was announced earlier this week by government.
Member of Parliament for Bawku Central Mahama Ayariga however believes the amendment can be done without withdrawing the bill.
Source: Sena Nombo/Radiogoldlive.com
