By Christopher Tetteh
Sunyani, (Bono), Mar. 11, GNA – Owners of small-scale businesses in the Sunyani Municipality say they are happy about the scrapping of the e-levy and betting taxes, as promised by President John Dramani Mahama in the 2024 electioneering.
Dr Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, the Minister of Finance presented the first Business Statement and Economic Policy of the government to Parliament on Tuesday, March 11 and announced the abolishing of the two economic taxes.
In a post-budget interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Sunyani, the business owners said scrapping the taxes had aroused their confidence in President Mahama in building a robust economy.
“The announcement of the abolishment of the e-levy tax is welcome news because that particular is slowing down our business,” a mobile money vendor, only known as Muhammad stated.
He explained that since the e-levy was introduced by the previous government, the mobile money business had been affected worrying that “many of my customers are not transacting business anymore”.
A dealer in mobile phones and accessories who spoke to the GNA on condition of anonymity said with the abolishment of the e-levy would favour him and other colleagues who mostly undertake online shopping.
Mr Kwaku Gyimah, a dealer in footwear commended President Mahama for cancelling the betting tax. However, Madam Akosua Comfort, a dealer in second hand clothing expressed varied opinions, questioning how the government could generate revenue after abolishing the taxes.
She said taxation remained a major source of government revenue, saying instead of abolishing the taxes, the government could use those tax revenue to build ICT laboratories and libraries for basic schools.
GNA
DEN/KOA