Ghanaian Market Woman’s Call to Retain E-Levy Sparks Social Media Debate
A Ghanaian market woman’s passionate appeal for the government to maintain the controversial Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy) has sparked heated discussions online. In an interview with GhOne TV, she argued that scrapping the levy could negatively impact government programs such as the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy.
Her comments, however, have not been well-received by many Ghanaians, with critics accusing her of misunderstanding the broader effects of the tax.
During the interview, which was conducted in a busy marketplace, the woman urged the government to reconsider its decision to cancel the E-Levy. She emphasized that the revenue generated from the levy was crucial for national development, particularly in sustaining initiatives like Free SHS.
“If the government removes the E-Levy, how will they get money to continue Free SHS? Parents will end up paying school fees again, and that will be a bigger burden. It is better we continue paying the levy so the government can help us,” she explained.
She also suggested that without the E-Levy, the government might struggle to fund other social programs, ultimately putting more financial pressure on citizens.
Following the viral interview, many Ghanaians took to social media to express their disagreement. Critics argue that the E-Levy has only added to the financial struggles of ordinary citizens, making it harder for people to send money through mobile transactions.
Many pointed out that instead of improving government revenue collection, the levy had discouraged digital transactions, leading to reduced earnings for mobile money operators and negatively affecting small businesses.
One social media user commented, “The E-Levy has done nothing but make life more difficult for Ghanaians. This woman is clearly misinformed. The government should find better ways to generate revenue without burdening the poor.”
Another added, “She is defending a policy that makes her life harder. The cost of living is already high, and she wants more taxes? This is why education on these issues is important.”
Public Opinion on E-Levy
Since its introduction, the E-Levy has remained one of the most unpopular tax policies in Ghana, with many citizens and business owners opposing it. Initially implemented to boost government revenue, the tax has been widely criticized for increasing the cost of digital financial transactions.
Although the government had considered scrapping or reviewing the policy, the market woman’s plea suggests that some citizens believe the levy serves an essential purpose. However, the strong public backlash to her comments highlights the general frustration surrounding the tax.
As discussions about the future of the E-Levy continue, this viral moment has reignited debate over Ghana’s taxation policies and their impact on the everyday lives of citizens.