Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Evans Annang
Published on 2024-04-09 15:51:26
In a recent address to members of the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA), former President Mahama emphasized the urgency of the situation and urged Dr. Bawumia, who is also the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), to take immediate action rather than waiting until he assumes the presidency. Mahama specifically called on Bawumia to eliminate the controversial Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy) and other taxes without delay.
During the meeting, Mahama was quoted as saying, “Tell Bawumia to eliminate the E-Levy and other taxes now, not later.” This statement underscores the importance of addressing taxation issues promptly to alleviate the burden on Ghanaian citizens and businesses.
In a previous address outlining his presidential aspirations, Dr. Bawumia outlined his plans to abolish various taxes, including the E-Levy, emissions tax, VAT on electricity, and the betting tax. This commitment to tax reform aligns with the concerns raised by Mahama and other stakeholders regarding the impact of excessive taxation on the economy and individual citizens.
Furthermore, Dr. Bawumia has highlighted the role of digitization in curbing corruption and improving government efficiency. He emphasized that digitization has saved Ghana significant amounts of money that would have otherwise been lost through corrupt practices. This recognition of the benefits of technology in governance underscores the importance of leveraging digital tools to enhance transparency and accountability within the government.
In a separate speech at the launch of LEADing Justice, a strategic framework document of the Chief Justice outlining her vision for the Judiciary and Judicial Service of Ghana, Dr. Bawumia highlighted the tangible benefits of digitization in streamlining government processes. He cited examples of savings achieved through digitization, such as the elimination of ghost pensioners and workers, resulting in significant cost savings for the government.
Dr. Bawumia commended the Chief Justice’s focus on digitization and noted the rapid progress that Ghana has made in this area. He emphasized the critical role of technology in modernizing the judicial system and reiterated the importance of continued digitization efforts for the advancement of the judiciary in Ghana.
Moreover, Dr. Bawumia underscored the impact of digitization on the tax system, pointing to the significant increase in the number of individuals with Tax Identification Numbers following the introduction of the Ghana Card. He also highlighted the successful elimination of ghost workers in the Controller and Accountant General Office through the implementation of digital solutions such as the Ghana Card.
In conclusion, the collaboration between stakeholders like former President Mahama and Vice President Bawumia on addressing taxation issues and promoting digitization underscores the commitment to improving governance and driving economic growth in Ghana. By leveraging technology and implementing targeted tax reforms, Ghana can pave the way for sustainable development and inclusive prosperity for all its citizens.
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