Economist and lecturer at the University of Ghana Business School, Professor Patrick Assuming has advocated for the removal of the E-levy, calling it a policy that should be repealed without hesitation.
Speaking on ABC News GH, Asuming emphasized that scrapping certain taxes was a key component of the National Democratic Congress’s (NDC) campaign messages, and he believes it is crucial to communicate alternative revenue-raising strategies before making such changes.
“Without blinking, the E-levy should be removed,” Asuming declared, adding, “But it’s certainly doable if the government communicates the way forward.”
Asuming also turned his attention to the “Planting for Food and Jobs” program, a flagship policy of the outgoing New Patriotic Party (NPP) government.
He argued that the program has failed to meet its objectives, with food prices continuing to rise and the country still heavily reliant on imports.
“If we’ve had Planting for Food and Jobs for seven years, and food prices are rising at the rate they are, and we are still importing basic foodstuff, it should tell you the program has not worked that well,” Asuming stated.
He acknowledged the good intentions behind the initiative but criticized its poor implementation.
Asuming stressed the need for increased investment in agriculture as a critical priority for the incoming government.
“Despite improvements in growth, food production is not doing well, and food prices are still rising. This is very problematic for ordinary Ghanaians,” he explained.
Asuming reiterated that while policies like “One Village, One Dam” were well-conceived, their execution must improve for the country to see real agricultural progress.
“We need more investment in agriculture; otherwise, the challenges will persist,” he concluded.
