MOMO agents threaten to go on strike over E-levy on merchant SIM cards

Mobile money operators have threatened to go on strike over what they describe as imposition of double taxation by the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) on their work.

The group in a statement signed by its National Secretary, Kingsley J.Amoako-Atta, dated March 20, 2024, said the imposition of E-levy on agent SIM cards by the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) will amount to double taxation since they are already paying 10 per cent income tax on all transactions.  

"This new levy, in addition to the existing 10% income tax on all transactions, has resulted in double taxation for our businesses, posing a severe threat to our financial sustainability," the grouped noted. 

According to them, despite engaging with the GRA to address their concerns, they are yet to see any meaningful solution, saying "The current situation is untenable, and if not addressed promptly, we risk losing all our capital due to the heavy burden of double taxation."

"The imposition of the E-levy on Agent SIM cards and the 1% levy on all Push and Pull transactions from banks are creating an unsustainable financial burden for mobile money agents," the group indicated. 

They have therefore threatened that "If our concerns are not adequately addressed, we will have no option than to consider shutting down our shops and go on demonstrations to safeguard our capital and livelihoods." 

Attached is the press statement by MOMAG: 

PRESS RELEASE

URGENT APPEAL TO ADDRESS DOUBLE TAXATION ON MOBILE MONEY AGENTS

The Mobile Money Advocacy Group, Ghana and the entire Momo Agents across the length and breadth of Ghana, write to register our deep disappointment and urgent concern regarding the imposition of the E-levy on agent SIM cards by the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA). 

This new levy, in addition to the existing 10% income tax on all transactions, has resulted in double taxation for our businesses, posing a severe threat to our financial sustainability.

Despite engaging with the GRA to address our concerns, we are yet to see any meaningful solution. The current situation is untenable, and if not addressed promptly, we risk losing all our capital due to the heavy burden of double taxation.

We urgently call on the government, particularly the Ministry of Finance, and other relevant stakeholders to intervene and bring the GRA to order.

The imposition of the E-levy on Agent SIM cards and the 1% levy on all Push and Pull transactions from banks are creating an unsustainable financial burden for mobile money agents.

If our concerns are not adequately addressed, we will have no option than to consider shutting down our shops and go on demonstrations to safeguard our capital and livelihoods. 

This would have far-reaching implications for the mobile money

We appeal for your immediate attention to this critical issue and seek your support in finding a fair and equitable solution to alleviate the burden of double taxation on mobile money agents. 

We are committed to working collaboratively with the relevant authorities to address this pressing concern and ensure the continued viability of our businesses.

We urge you to act swiftly to prevent the potential closure of shops of Mobile Money Agent/ Agency Banking and to safeguard the livelihoods of countless individuals who depend on this sector for their income.

We look forward to your prompt and decisive action on this matter.

Thank you.

Signed by

Kingsley J.Amoako-Atta

National Secretary

0243944042