The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), in a surprising turn of policy, has introduced the “Dumsor Levy” (D-Levy) to replace the much-criticized Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy). Marketed as a solution to Ghana’s persistent power crisis, the D-Levy is already drawing widespread backlash from citizens who see it as yet another tax burden in a country already weighed down by economic hardship and poor governance.
The frustration among Ghanaians is palpable. While citizens are constantly asked to sacrifice more through new taxes, politicians remain shielded by unchecked privileges and extravagant expenditures. From annual ex-gratia payments to fuel coupons and bloated government appointments, the political elite continues to live comfortably at the expense of the ordinary Ghanaian.
“Why should we, in the 21st century, be giving appointees fuel coupons when the economy is struggling?” questioned a concerned citizen. “Why should the Finance Ministry allocate GH₵1.2 million annually to each MP for monitoring GETFund projects? What then is the role of GETFund staff and the Auditor-General?”
Critics argue that the country’s inability to implement effective tax systems like property taxation, reduce public sector waste, or tax the wealthy reflects a failure of leadership and political will. Instead, successive governments have found it easier to tax the poor — a group that can hardly resist, divided by party loyalties and numbed by decades of political betrayal.
With the introduction of the D-Levy, many Ghanaians fear it will follow the path of the failed E-Levy — yielding little revenue and causing public outrage. “Unless we cut down waste and corruption, the Dumsor Levy will fall flat. Just like E-Levy, it will become another ineffective, unpopular tax tool,” warned a policy analyst.
The polarized political climate in Ghana continues to impede meaningful civic activism and reform. As long as the public remains divided along NPP and NDC lines, accountability will remain elusive, and economic justice a distant dream.
The D-Levy, instead of being a progressive solution, risks becoming yet another symbol of elite disconnect and citizen frustration — unless bold reforms and responsible leadership follow swiftly.
— Written by Nsemgh.com
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