The Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has accused the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) of hypocrisy and double standards over the recently announced 0.75% charge on wallet-to-bank transfers linked to MTN’s mobile money transactions.
The development, he said, exposes what he described as inconsistencies in the ruling party’s stance on taxation and digital financial policies.
Referring to the 2022 debate on the Electronic Levy (E-Levy), he argued that the current administration had previously criticized such charges while in opposition, but is now clandestinely introducing similar measures in office through alternative arrangements.
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Addressing members of the Parliamentary Press Corps on Tuesday, Afenyo-Markin said, “This NDC government is a scam. They say one thing in opposition and do another in government.”
According to him, the government’s handling of the controversial mobile money charge exposes what he called “clear hypocrisy” in taxation policies.
Hon. Afenyo-Markin claimed that the government had also introduced and reintroduced certain fiscal measures under different labels, including what he referred to as sector reform levies, arguing that these have increased the burden on citizens.
He slammed a notice attributed to the Bank of Ghana regarding the suspension of the planned 0.75% charge, which was initially expected to take effect from June 1. According to him, the suspension raises questions about policy consultation and transparency.
“The question is, what is further consultation? What changed after the public outcry?” he questioned. He demanded that the Finance Minister appear before Parliament to clarify the circumstances surrounding the proposed charges.
The Minority Leader also criticized the government’s broader economic management, citing concerns over agriculture pricing, electricity tariffs, recruitment into security services, and youth employment programs.
He alleged that several campaign promises, including support for cocoa farmers, rice producers, and women’s banking initiatives, had not been fulfilled.
He insisted that Parliament must be fully briefed on all new fiscal measures affecting digital financial transactions and the wider economy.