The Minority in Ghana’s Parliament has served notice, it would not tolerate any surprises in the introduction of the controversial Electronic Transfer Levy (E-levy) before Parliament.
According to the Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrissu, his side is not enthused with the Majority Leader’s constant shifting of the day for the consideration of the E-levy on the Floor of the House. He made the comment after the Majority Leader and the Leader of Government Business, Osei-Kyei-Mensah Bonsu had presented the Business Statement for the ensuing week.
“Mr. Speaker, on this important matter, there can be no surprises. So, we want the leader of Government Business to lead us through. When will it be, if it is to be reintroduced as a new bill or article 160. The Bill is gazetted for us to know or we are continuing under Order 106 to suspend our standing orders to take it as a matter of urgency,” he observed.
The Minority Leader categorically stated that the Minority stands opposed to the levy and would stand with the public to reject the Bill on the Floor.
“Mr. Speaker, members need to know because on this matter as we have publicly stated; we want to stand with the public in our opposition and rejection of the Bill. We don’t want to be taken by surprises, so let the leader of Government Business indicate to us when the Bill will come to Parliament and in what form we should anticipate or expect it.
“We cannot continue with this uncertainty. When will we subject the E-levy to a thorough debate on its principles; walk through its consideration and third reading standing for its rejection?” he further demanded.
Majority Leader in his response, assured the Minority Leader that there was no such hidden agenda to spring any surprises on them. He rather promised to engage with the leader in order for them to agree on a common date to take the motion on the Bill.
However, in a quick rebuttal the Minority Leader’s stated opposition to the passage of the Bill, the Leader of Government Business also emphasized his sides support for the Bill and its passage; saying that the Minority can choose to stand with the public in rejecting the Bill, but they in the Majority will stand with the republic to support it.
“Mr. Speaker, the Minority Leader is adding that they have taken a position that they want to stand with the public to reject the E-levy and he says that with all the emphasis. Mr. Speaker, we on this side want to stand with the Republic to ensure the revitalization of the economy. If people want to see the collapse of the economy, so be it. We would want to stand with the Republic.” He said.
Source: Clement Akoloh||parliamentnews360.com
