Prof. Kwesi Botchwey, a former Minister of Finance, has stated that for the E-Levy to stop being a divisive issue in Ghana, the government must recognize, understand, and respect the views of Ghanaians, as well as engage in open and respectful dialogue with the understanding that even those who oppose it have some patriotism.
He stated the E-Levy will burden poor residents even more, speaking on Monday, March 7, 2021, at the University of Ghana, Legon’s Independence Day Lecture.
Instead of demonstrating hubris, he urged the administration to be upfront with the public about the economic problem. We’re in a crisis, and the opposition is worried about the consequences. [E-Levy]
Now, the first step is to acknowledge that we have a problem. If you’re telling the public that things are fine, that we’ve never had it so good, that we’ve outperformed everyone else in the past, if you’re displaying hubris, it means you don’t have a problem.”
“Speaking in this manner gives you no stance to collecting cash from the people, regardless of the exemption offered; I’m not suggesting we should panic,” he added, “but standing comfortably and smiling as if the house is not on fire is bad, and shouldn’t be done.”
”
Since the bill’s conception on November 17, 2021, the opposition in Parliament has been adamant in its opposition to its passing.