E-Levy: We won’t go to IMF for bailout – Ken Ofori-Atta
Government says a bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is not in its plans to restore fiscal stability in the country.
Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta insists that the repercussion of seeking a bailout will not be favourable for Ghana’s fortunes.
“Consequences are dire, we are a proud nation, we have the resources, we have the capacity. We are not people of short-sight, but we have to move on,” he said on Thursday.
This comes in the wake of economic challenges facing the country which have prompted speculation about a possible step in the IMF’s direction.
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The Finance Ministry is currently praying Parliament to consider its proposal of a 1.75% electronic transactions levy (E-Levy) in the 2022 budget to increase revenue.
This commitment is facing fierce opposition from the Minority in the House who have cited concerns of exacerbating the plight of ordinary Ghanaians.
Speaking at a Townhall Meeting in Tamale over the said levy, the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta explained that it will not seek the assistance of the IMF thought of resorting to local alternatives to boost the economy.
“I can say; we are not going to the IMF. Whatever we do, we are not… So let’s think of who we are as strong proud people, the shining star of Africa, and we have the capacity to do whatever we want to do if we speak one language and ensure that we share the burden in the issues ahead,” he said.
The controversial E-Levy is estimated to rake in some $1 billion annually, according to the Finance Ministry.
Thursday’s event was the third in a series of town hall meetings geared towards sensitising the populace on the controversial levy.
Source: Ghana News
