The Ghanaian youth have spoken, and the government has listened. In a significant demonstration of responsive leadership, the government of Ghana, under the stewardship of President John Dramani Mahama, has taken the commendable step to abolish the Electronic Levy (E-Levy) and the Betting Tax. This decision, a direct response to the fervent demands articulated by young people during the launch of the Ghana Youth Manifesto, marks a watershed moment in the nation's political landscape.
The Ghana Youth Manifesto, a document that encapsulates the aspirations and concerns of young Ghanaians across the 16 regions, served as a powerful platform for advocating for the removal of these taxes. Young people, the driving force behind the nation's digital economy and a vital demographic in the betting industry, voiced their concerns about the detrimental impact of these levies on their economic activities and overall well-being.
The E-Levy, initially introduced to broaden the tax base and fund developmental projects, was met with widespread resistance, particularly from the youth who heavily rely on mobile money transactions for their daily economic activities. The Betting Tax, similarly, was seen as a stifling measure that disproportionately affected young people engaged in the burgeoning betting sector.
President Mahama's decision to heed the call of the youth is a testament to the government's commitment to fostering an inclusive and responsive governance framework. It signals a recognition of the crucial role young people play in shaping the nation's future and underscores the importance of incorporating their voices into policy-making processes.
The Ghana Youth Manifesto Coalition, representing the collective voice of young Ghanaians, expresses its profound gratitude to President Mahama and the government for this decisive action. This move not only addresses the immediate concerns of the youth but also instills a renewed sense of hope and confidence in the government's ability to listen and act in the best interests of its citizens.
This victory is a powerful reminder that youth engagement and advocacy can lead to tangible policy changes. It reaffirms the importance of platforms like the Ghana Youth Manifesto, which provide young people with the space to articulate their needs and contribute to national development.
As we celebrate this significant achievement, the Ghana Youth Manifesto Coalition and the entire youth across the 16 regions of Ghana commend President Mahama and the government for their visionary leadership and commitment to creating a conducive environment for the youth to thrive. We look forward to continued collaboration and dialogue to ensure that the voices of young people remain central to the nation's progress.