FixTheCountry movement to engage Police ahead of the protest against 2022 budget
#FixTheCountry movement is scheduled to engage the Police today November 22nd 2021 ahead of the planned protest on Friday, November 26th 2021.
The protest is to express the group’s displeasure on the 2022 budget especially the 1.75 per cent E-levy which will be imposed on electronic transactions.
This will add up to the numerous protest the group has embarked on since it came into the scene in their attempt to highlight the concerns of Ghanaians to the government.
According to one of the conveners of the FixTheCountry movement, Hardi Yakubu, the group wants explanations on how the previous taxes have been put to use.
“We are mobilizing citizens to exercise their displeasure about the 2022 budget. We want to bring that displeasure to bear on the powers that be in our quest to prevent the government from compounding the frustration and suffering that the people of Ghana are already bearing.”
“Fuel prices have gone up 15 times this year and that has led to an increase in foods and basic goods. The 2022 budget instead of announcing measures to cushion Ghanaians rather introduces measures that will compound the problem and that is why it is necessary to highlight how this is objectionable by the people,” he said.
Since Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, presented the budget it has been greeted with mixed reactions with the majority of Ghanaians not enthused about the introduction of the 1.75% tax on all digital financial transactions.
“Electronic transactions covering, mobile money payments, bank transfers, merchant payments, and inward remittances will be charged at an applicable rate of 1.75 per cent, which shall be borne by the sender, except inward remittances which will be borne by the recipient,” Ken Ofori Atta announced.
The Finance Minister was however optimistic that regardless of the agitations from Ghanaians, the proposal will come into full force from February 2022.
Most stakeholders including those in the telecommunications sector have also raised concerns about the policy. The government in response is expected to engage the telcos on the policy.
By: Stella Annan | myactiveonline.com Twitter @activetvgh
