Adwoa Safo Defends E-Levy vote Abstention: “I Have No Regrets”
Former Member of Parliament for Dome-Kwabenya, Sarah Adwoa Safo, has boldly defended her decision to abstain from voting on the controversial Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy), stating that she has no regrets despite the political backlash she faced.
“The E-Levy Was a Burden on Ordinary Ghanaians”
Speaking in an interview on Asempa FM, Adwoa Safo justified her stand, insisting that the levy was a regressive tax that unfairly increased the financial strain on ordinary citizens.
“One thing I don’t and will never regret is my stance on the E-Levy, which was weaponized against me. When the policy was introduced, I was convinced it would not benefit the country. My father came from humble beginnings, and I was raised with the values of supporting the less privileged,” she explained.
She expressed deep concern over the impact on small-scale traders and low-income earners:
“When I see petty traders sending small amounts of money back home, I don’t believe they should be taxed. This was never about politics for me—it was about standing with the people.”
Caught Between Party, Church, and Constituents
Adwoa Safo also revealed that the elders of her church cautioned her against supporting the E-Levy, adding another layer of internal conflict.
“I was torn between my church, my constituents, and my party. In the end, I chose the people I represent over political loyalty,” she emphasized.
Despite facing criticism and political isolation for her decision, she believes it has only strengthened her standing in her faith and community.
“MPs Must Vote for the People, Not Just Party Interests”
Adwoa Safo called for a shift in parliamentary decision-making, advocating for MPs to vote based on the will of their constituents rather than party directives.
“I look forward to the day when MPs will prioritize their people over party interests. My decision has been vindicated, especially now that Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has promised to scrap the E-Levy,” she stated.
Background on the E-Levy
The Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy) was introduced in May 2022 through the Electronic Transfer Levy Act, 2022 (Act 1075) and its amendment, Act 1089. The policy imposed a 1% levy on electronic transactions, including mobile money and bank transfers, sparking national outrage.
However, during the 2025 Budget Presentation in Parliament on March 11, 2025, Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson announced that the John Mahama-led government will abolish the tax, reinforcing the argument that it was a deeply unpopular policy.
A Bold Stand That Shaped Political Discourse
Adwoa Safo’s stance on the E-Levy remains a defining moment in her political career, showcasing a rare display of principled leadership over party loyalty. As Ghana moves forward, her decision raises important questions about political accountability, taxation policies, and the true role of MPs in a democracy.
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SOURCE : DEW360.NET
