A cross section of students at the Takoradi Technical University (TTU) has expressed views on the controversial e-levy awaiting passage on the floor of Parliament.
According to the students, the passage and implementation of the e-levy would add to the already economic hardship on citizens.
Currently, the e-levy has generated lots of debate from both sides of Parliament with the majority calling for its passage whilst the minority is kicking against it.
These students mentioned that monies received from their parents would be insignificant should government go ahead with the implementation of the 1.75 percent electronic levy, stressing that they would also suffer consequences as monies may lose it intended purpose.
Majority of the students seem to disagree with the introduction of the e-levy weighing the pros and cons of the policy.
Spice FM in an interview with some members of the public specifically students of TTU, some of them were of the opinion that young people engaged in mobile banking popularly known as mobile money would suffer major repercussions thus render them jobless.
Oforiwaa, a student of TTU opined that it’s not a good call because many startups in the MoMo business would collapse.
“Most young people are engaged in mobile money business, and should the e – levy be passed, most of them will be out of business. People would rather prefer to go to the banks to transact business there due to the high tariffs placed on momo services, “she said.
Another student, on the contrary agreed with the passage of the 1.75 percent electronic levy on transactions because “government needs to generate enough revenue to undertake developmental projects in the country” and also to prevent the excessive borrowing from international bodies.
For Nathaniel, the e-levy is a good initiative but government should review the charges to be paid on transaction which would encourage people to accept its implementation.
According to the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, the e-levy is to serve as a source of revenue mobilization to enable government to access the needed funding to expedite development across the country.
However, the bill has courted negative response from the majority side of parliament and a significant portion of the Ghanaian population.
The government in its bid to have a public acceptance of the bill has scheduled a series of town hall meetings across the country. According to the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori Atta, the townhall meeting would help government sensitize and educate the citizenry on the importance and need for the e-levy.
