“E-Levy and Other Taxes Here to Stay—No Immediate Plans for Abolition”, Bawumia Expands

Speaking at a press briefing in Accra on Sunday, Dr. Bawumia, who is also the Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), addressed these concerns by clarifying his position and authority within the current administration.

Dr. Bawumia explained that, as Vice President, he does not have the authority to unilaterally implement his campaign promises while in government, as the power to administer the country lies with the President. He emphasized that any new ideas he has proposed can only be fully implemented if he is elected as President.

“If I could, what would I do when I come into office? How can you do everything now? Even President Mahama who was a former President, I am only Vice President, why didn’t he do everything then? Why is he coming back? He (Mahama) had full authority.”

He further clarified, “I don’t have full authority. The budget that has gone to Parliament and has been passed is not my budget. The budget goes in the name of the President. It doesn’t go in the name of the Vice President.”

Critics have specifically questioned Dr. Bawumia’s promise to abolish the e-levy and betting tax, both of which were implemented by the NPP government. In response, Dr. Bawumia asserted that these ideas would be fully actionable only when he assumes the presidency. “When you have to think about what new you want to do, you come up with new ideas, and I have come up with new ideas which I want to do when we come into office,” he said.

Dr. Bawumia also stressed his commitment to a free, fair, and transparent election, stating, “The quest for political power should not be an end to itself. We will run a campaign of ideas. Our goal is that at the end of the contest, we will be secure in the knowledge that there is work to do.”