E-Commerce Association Of Ghana Pushes Back On Introduction Of E-Levy Bill – Tech Nova GH

The introduction of the E-Levy bill which will impose a 1.75% tax on electronic transactions in Ghana has gotten some pushback from the public including the E-Commerce Association Of Ghana.

The association stated in a press release that even though it’s not against the government trying to generate revenue, the group states that there will be several negative consequences on e-commerce and other affiliated industries in Ghana. The association listed seven negative consequences including:

1. Potential of eroding all the gains made by the government’s digitalization agenda and a major U-turn to the government’s vision of a cash-lite economy
2. Sending the largely unbanked population back to the days of financial exclusion
3. A negative toll on the use of digital payments as compared to the “cash is king” era
4. Slow down on the development of e-commerce in Ghana as most payments are made through mobile wallets and fintech platforms today
5. Slow down on the development of e-commerce in Ghana as most payments are made through mobile wallets and fintech platforms today
6. Reduction in online sales resulting in tax reduction to the government
7. Return to increased cash transactions, compromising the safety of delivery riders, etc
8. Los of jobs in the eCommerce and fintech industries, etc

The association further stated that the Ministry of Finance needs to engage with stakeholders on the e-levy and discuss either the possible reduction or suspension of the levy.

Source: https://technovagh.com/e-commerce-association-of-ghana-pushes-back-on-introduction-of-e-levy-bill/