University of Ghana Business School Professor Patrick Asuming has called for the removal of the e-levy, describing it as a detrimental tax regardless of the potential reintroduction of road tolls.
Speaking on TV3’s “Key Points” program, Asuming expressed scepticism about the government’s commitment to bring back road tolls, citing past unfulfilled promises regarding levy restorations.
“The e-levy is a bad tax that should be removed irrespective of the road tolls. I am confident in the government’s intention to reintroduce road tolls. Similar pledges were made in the past, but nothing materialized,” Asuming remarked.
Government plans to reinstate road tolls, which ceased in 2021, were confirmed by Finance Minister Dr Mohammed Amin Adam during his mid-year budget review presentation in Parliament on July 23.
Cabinet has approved a framework for the tolls’ reintroduction in 2025.
Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, also the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, emphasized the necessity of road tolls to enhance infrastructure development, noting financial constraints and proposing innovative solutions involving the private sector.
Despite introducing the e-levy as a substitute for road tolls, its effectiveness has yet to be questioned, prompting reconsidering toll reinstatement.
Asuming’s critique underscores broader debates on fiscal policy and governance in Ghana, highlighting concerns over taxation strategies and infrastructure financing amid economic challenges.
