Don't Destroy The Beauty Of The E-Levy - Rev. Ntim Fordjour Tells NDC Minority

Deputy Education Minister, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour has issued a caution to the Minority in Parliament regarding the passage of the E-Levy Bill on Tuesday, March 29, 2022.

Parliament passed the Electronic Transaction Levy (E-Levy) awaiting Presidential assent to come into effect.

The Bill was passed in the absence of the Minority as they staged a walkout when it was broached in the chamber.

"The electronic bill duly read the third time and passed," the Speaker said after readings of the Bill were seconded by the Majority through a voice vote.

However, the Minority claims the E-Levy Bill hasn't been passed, hence has dragged the Attorney General to the Supreme Court.

Minority Leader of Parliament, Haruna Iddrisu, and his colleagues Mahama Ayariga and Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa contend that Parliament did not have the required number of at least half of its members present when the controversial tax policy was approved.

In their reliefs, they are praying the Apex Court for “a. A declaration that on the authority of the Supreme Court case of Justice Abdulai v. Attorney-General, Writ No. J1/07/2022 dated 9th March 2022, the constitutional quorum number for decision-making and voting within the meaning of Article 104(1) of the 1992 Constitution is 138 Members of Parliament out of the 275 Members of Parliament and not 137 Members of Parliament.

"b. A declaration that on a true and proper interpretation of articles 2(1)(b) and 104(1) of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, there was no quorum to enable the 137 Members of Parliament of the Majority Caucus present in Parliament on 29th March 2022 to pass the Electronic Transactions Levy (‘’E-Levy’’).’’

They also are pleading with the court for a declaration that "on a true and proper interpretation of Article 104(1) of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, the passing of the Electronic Transactions Levy (‘’E-Levy’’) by the 137 Members of Parliament of the Majority Caucus present in Parliament on the 29th March 2022 without the requisite quorum number of 138 Members of Parliament present in Parliament is null and void and of no legal effect".

The Minority further asks for an "order of the Honourable Court setting aside the passing of the Electronic Transactions Levy (‘’E-Levy’’) by the 137 Members of Parliament of the Majority Caucus present in Parliament on the 29th March 2022 as a nullity".

But Rev. Ntim Fordjour is asking the Minority to support the Bill as they know its enormous benefits to Ghanaians.

Although respecting their right to file the suit, he, however, cautioned them against politicizing the E-Levy.

Mr. Ntim Fordjour admonished the Minority to not ''destroy the beauty of this monumental decision which is going to be a legacy for posterity. Posterity will look at us very kindly that we have ably put in place these measures''.

He made these comments while speaking on Peace FM's morning show ''Kokrokoo''.

He also urged all Ghanaians to embrace the levy, noting that it is a major factor to the development of Ghana.