Vice President Mahanmadu Bawumia has been challenged by Professor Kobby Mensah of the University of Ghana Business School (UGBS) to use his power to persuade President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to axe a contentious tax item.
The University of Ghana lecturer was responding to Bawumia’s recent declaration that he played a major role in persuading President Akufo-Addo to grant particular exemptions for dialysis treatment.
On June 3, while on his Central Regional presidential campaign tour, Bawumia made an announcement to a group of clergymen about the free dialysis treatment that would be available to people under the age of 18 and those over 60 starting this month through the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
“If you managed to speak to the President to agree on free dialysis whilst you are still a Veep, then you can also speak to him to agree on the Tax cuts you mentioned you would when you come to power. Pls convince the President to agree to abolishing E-levy,” Prof Mensah posted on X.
The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) defines the E-Levy as a levy on all electronic money transfers, excluding those that are legally exempt. One percent is the fixed rate.
The government chose to impose electronic transfer taxes in order to increase domestic tax collection, broaden the tax base, and provide everyone a chance to support the advancement of the country.
The levy was passed in a contentious manner and has since fallen short of the projected amount of money.
NHIS announces free dialysis for some kidney patients
Starting June 1, 2024, through December 2024, individuals who are under 18 and over 60 years of age and suffering from kidney diseases will be eligible for eight free dialysis sessions monthly, this is according to the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
This initiative, revealed by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), celebrates the scheme’s 20th anniversary.
The Acting Chief Executive Officer of NHIA, Dr. Da-Costa Aboagye, confirmed in a statement that this effort is part of the anniversary festivities.
An amount of GH¢2,000,000.00 has been sanctioned by the government of Ghana and approved by parliament, as outlined in the NHIA’s 2024 Allocation Formula.
The aim is to assist the financially-challenged and vulnerable patients in need of dialysis treatments.
In addition, the NHIA has dedicated an extra GH¢2,400,000.00 from its Corporate Social Responsibility budget, approved for the scheme, to further support this significant health intervention.
“As part of NHIA’s 20th Anniversary, the NHIA, through administrative arrangements has allocated an additional GH¢2,400,000.00, under the Corporate Social Responsibility approved budget of the scheme to support this initiative,” the statement said.
The report also stated that following the verification of patients currently undergoing dialysis, the monthly cost for those within the specified categories is estimated at GH¢329,952.
By the conclusion of December 2024, the total expenditure is anticipated to reach approximately GH¢2.3 million.