You could have reduced E-Levy rather than removing it – Dr Domfeh tells Finance Minister

Development Economist Dr. George Domfeh criticized the Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, for removing the E-Levy, suggesting it should have been reduced instead.

Similarly, Dr. Adu Owusu Sarkodie opposed the scrapping of the COVID-19 Levy, arguing it could support healthcare infrastructure. The Finance Minister defended the decision, citing high VAT rates and fiscal constraints in the 2025 Budget.

The budget includes GH¢51.3 million in seed funding for the Women’s Development Bank to support women entrepreneurs and GH¢292.4 million for free sanitary pad distribution. Social programs like LEAP and School Feeding received increased allocations.

Dr. Forson emphasized fiscal discipline, including reducing government spending and ministers. He stressed that economic challenges persist, requiring sacrifices for recovery, reinforcing President Mahama’s cost-cutting measures.