Former Head of the Monitoring Unit at the Forestry Commission, Charles Owusu, has called on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to heed Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s pledge to abolish certain taxes, including the controversial E-Levy.
Speaking on a panel discussion on Peace FM’s Kokrokoo on February 9, 2024, Owusu emphasized the importance of scrapping the E-Levy to bolster the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) prospects in the upcoming 2024 elections. He highlighted Dr Bawumia’s commitment to repealing the levy during his administration and urged President Akufo-Addo to support this initiative.
Owusu stressed that while not all of Dr Bawumia’s decisions may align with those of President Akufo-Addo, the government had an opportunity to demonstrate unity and solidarity by addressing the concerns raised by the Vice President, particularly regarding the E-Levy.
“I have heard people talking about him denying his government. All of us are not the same on this earth; definitely, if he becomes a leader, not all his dealings will be exactly like Akufo-Addo. But I feel this government has the opportunity to help Bawumia,” Owusu asserted.
He further emphasized the government’s capacity to fulfill Dr. Bawumia’s promise by taking decisive action to remove or cancel the E-Levy. Owusu urged swift action, suggesting that scrapping the levy would demonstrate the party’s commitment to continuity in government and resonate positively with voters.
“If there are things that he has complained about, then why doesn’t the government take them out or cancel them? Bawumia has talked about the E-Levy, so if the party wants continuity in government, why can’t they scrap it? I believe they can scrap it, and they should do it now,” Owusu urged.