Editorial
E-levy must achieve its purpose
Dear Editor,
After the hue and cry, the Electronic Transaction Levy (E-levy) has been implemented and it may stay with us for a long time. I doubt the suit by the Minority in Parliament at the Supreme Court would even change anything.
When it took effect on May, 1, 2022, many of us started feeling the deductions being made on our mobile transactions and we cannot even smile about it.
The Ghana Revenue Authority had said it would take a closer look at the system, following complaints of ‘inconsistency’ in the rates charged per transaction by some members of the public. I look forward to reading their findings.
My concern, however, is whether the country has, indeed, moved from a ‘taxation economy’ to a production/manufacturing economy’ as promised by our political leaders. From all indications, we are far from reaching that target as the government seems to continue identifying ‘taxable avenues’ in order to rake in revenue.
I believe leaders are elected to improve the lives of citizens not make it worse, but that does not seem to be the case in our country. The financial burden on citizens continues to increase each day with no corresponding increase in income. The less we talk about unemployment, the better.
All the same, we have been told that proceeds from E-levy would help address our economic challenges. A lot of people have high expectations and I need not say more. Citizens, including myself, are hoping that whatever income would accrue from the levy must be channelled appropriately for the benefit of all.
Bless Fianko,
Teshie – Agblezaa.
Dear Editor,
THE Ghana Education Service (GES) has announced that most Senior High Schools (SHSs) will return to the single-track system by this month.
For many students and parents, this feels like a relief. But before we move on, we must take a moment to reflect.
The double-track system helped thousands of students get into schools. It gave hope to families who couldn’t afford private education. But it also came with challenges.
Some students had shorter terms, others had longer breaks. Teachers were stretched, and learning felt rushed. Many students felt left behind not because they didn’t try, but because the system didn’t give them enough time.
Now that we’re returning to single-track, let’s make sure we don’t repeat the mistakes of the past. We need more classrooms, better planning, and support for teachers.
Education is not just about getting into school. It’s about feeling safe and supported. Let’s build a system that gives every child a real chance.
Beatrice Princess Kpeglah,
Dansoman
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Dear Editor
As it is critical for preserving our surroundings, there is the urgent need for increased awareness and action to protect Ghana’s environment and resources.
Ghana’s forest reserves, vast savannas and scenic coastlines serve as homes and habitats to a wide range of flora and fauna, including several endangered species.
Our vegetation and rich soil deposits provide the nation with food, plants and animal resources, which ensures food availability and accessibility for the population.
However, the country’s environment is facing numerous threats including deforestation, overexploitation, pollution, etc.
The importance of environmental conservation cannot be overstated; our natural resources are the backbone of our economy, playing a vital role in driving the country’s economic growth and development.
It is therefore critical that we take actions to protect them for our future generations.
There is the need for collective action to address environmental challenges and promote sustainable development.
Environmentalists, various organizations and private individuals must come on board to promote environmental conservation, through tree planting exercises, clean-up campaigns, and resource conservation practices.
These efforts, when carried out effectively, would create a long-lasting impact in protecting and conserving the country’s environment.
The Ghanaian government should also implement policies and conduct regular programmes aimed at promoting environmental conservation.
By Theresa Tsetse Dzifa,
Bubiashie
