Vice President 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, during 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 while you are still a Veep, then you can also speak to him to agree on the Tax cuts you mentioned you would make when you come to power. “Please convince the President to agree to abolishing E-levy,” Prof. Mensah posted on X.
With the exception of transactions that are legally excluded, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) defines the E-Levy as a levy on all electronic money transfers.
One percent is the fixed rate.
The government made the decision to impose electronic transfers in order to increase domestic revenue collection, broaden the tax base, and give 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.
Free dialysis is being offered to certain kidney patients by the NHIS.
National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) states that from June 1, 2024, until December 20, 2024, those with kidney disorders who are over 60 and under 18 years old will be entitled to eight free dialysis sessions per month.
National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) announced this project to commemorate the program’s 20 years of existence.
This endeavour is an essential part of the anniversary celebrations, as confirmed by a statement from Dr. Da-Costa Aboagye, the acting chief executive officer of NHIA.
According to the NHIA’s 2024 Allocation Formula, GH¢2,000,000.00 has been authorised by the parliament and sanctioned by the Ghanaian government.
The objective is to support underprivileged and financially struggling people who require dialysis treatments.
Furthermore, the NHIA has allocated an additional GH2,400,000.00 from its approved Corporate Social Responsibility budget to assist this noteworthy 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.