Kwame Sanaa-Poku Jantuah, a prominent member of the Convention People’s Party (CPP) and a legal practitioner, has commended President John Dramani Mahama for fulfilling his campaign pledge to abolish the Electronic Transaction Levy (E-Levy). Jantuah had been a staunch critic of the levy since its inception, characterizing it as a blatant act of “theft” from the public. He expressed his satisfaction with the levy’s removal during a panel discussion on Morning Starr, a popular radio program, reiterating his condemnation of the policy and the previous administration that enacted it. He highlighted the levy’s failure to live up to expectations, arguing that it was presented as a panacea for Ghana’s economic woes, but instead, fell drastically short of its projected impact.
Jantuah’s critique zeroed in on the flawed premise upon which the E-Levy was justified. He recalled the government’s narrative that portrayed the levy as the ultimate solution to Ghana’s financial challenges, a measure so potent that it would obviate the need for road tolls. The subsequent scrapping of tolls, he noted, was predicated on this false promise, and has now resulted in the deterioration of several roads across the country. This, he argued, serves as a stark example of the detrimental consequences of ill-conceived policies that prioritize short-term gains over long-term sustainability and public welfare. The E-Levy, according to Jantuah, was a misguided policy from its inception, failing to address the fundamental economic issues facing the nation.
Furthermore, Jantuah asserted that the E-Levy, implemented despite widespread public opposition, became a significant political liability for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), ultimately contributing to their electoral defeat. He argued that the levy’s unpopularity resonated deeply with the electorate, who perceived it as an unfair burden on ordinary citizens. This public resentment, Jantuah believes, translated into a loss of confidence in the NPP government and played a crucial role in their subsequent loss at the polls. He therefore credited President Mahama’s promise to abolish the levy as a key factor in his electoral success, demonstrating the importance of responsiveness to public sentiment in political leadership.
Jantuah’s criticism extended to former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, whom he accused of disregarding public concerns and failing to engage in meaningful dialogue about the levy. He argued that if Ofori-Atta had been receptive to the widespread criticism and demonstrated a willingness to amend the levy in a way that addressed the public’s concerns, the policy might have been more palatable and less politically damaging. Jantuah suggested that the government’s intransigence and refusal to consider alternative approaches ultimately exacerbated the negative public perception of the levy and contributed to its eventual demise.
Jantuah’s condemnation of the E-Levy centers on several key arguments. He viewed it as an inherently unjust tax that disproportionately burdened ordinary citizens, particularly those relying on electronic transactions for their daily activities. He also criticized the government’s portrayal of the levy as a magic bullet for economic transformation, highlighting its failure to deliver on its promised benefits. Furthermore, he pointed to the levy’s adverse political consequences, arguing that it became a millstone around the NPP’s neck, ultimately contributing to their electoral defeat. Finally, he criticized the government’s lack of responsiveness to public concerns, emphasizing the importance of engaging with the public and considering alternative approaches when formulating policy.
In essence, Jantuah’s perspective encapsulates a broader critique of the previous administration’s fiscal policies. He argued that the E-Levy was not only economically unsound but also politically damaging, reflecting a disconnect between the government and the people. He lauded President Mahama’s decision to abolish the levy as a necessary step to redress the injustices inflicted upon the public and restore faith in the government’s commitment to the welfare of its citizens. His comments highlight the critical importance of public engagement in policy formulation and the need for government responsiveness to public concerns. The E-Levy, in Jantuah’s view, serves as a cautionary tale of the dangers of implementing policies without adequate consideration of their economic and political ramifications.
