Majority downplays minority’s injunction on E-levy implementation

The Majority Members of Parliament have de-emphasised the attempt by three Members of the Minority to place an injunction on the implementation of the Electronic Transfer Levy (E-levy) on May 1, 2022.

Mr Haruna Iddrisu, Minority Leader, Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Member of Parliament (MP), North Tongu and Mr Mahama Ayariga, MP, Bawku Central, have filed an application at the Supreme Court for an injunction on the implementation of the E-levy pending the hearing of their substantive case challenging the constitutionality of passage of the E-Levy.

At a Press Conference in Parliament on Friday, Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, Majority Leader, described the move by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) MPs as dangerous since there were internal parliamentary processes they could have resorted to.

He, however, stated that the E-levy would be implemented as announced and nothing could stop it.

“We’ve been told that they have filed an injunction, the Minority has taken the matter to the Supreme Court for the Court to rule on the supposed unconstitutionality of the votes that were taken on the E-levy.

“I will just say that the burden of proof lies with the Minority to go to court and prove their case,” he said

Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, who is also the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs said: “So, if the representation of the House has taken a decision, they can come with a motion on the decision. Why don’t they want to do that? But as I said, the burden of proof is on them.”

“Now, finally, on the injunction, I don’t want to pronounce anything, but I guess you and I know that it is an exercise in futility,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mr Ablakwa has indicated that the Minority was monitoring the space on the E-levy.

According to him, there was no way the government would attempt to go ahead and implement the E-levy.

“We are monitoring and if they go ahead and implement it we will sight them for contempt at the Supreme Court,” he said.

Source: GNA