Professor Kobe Mensah of UGBS
Professor Koby Mensa of the University of Ghana Business School (UGBS) has called on Vice President Bawumia to use his influence to get President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to repeal the controversial tax measures.
The faculty lecturer was reacting to the recent announcement that Mr Bawumia played a key role in getting President Akufo-Addo to agree to certain exemptions for dialysis treatment.
Speaking to a group of clerics on a presidential campaign rally in the central region on June 3, Bawumia announced that dialysis treatment would be made free for people under 18 and above 60 years of age from this month through the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
“If he was able to speak to the President and agree to free dialysis when he was Vice President, surely he can speak to him about the tax cuts he said he would implement when he comes to power. Convince the President to agree to abolish e-tax,” Prof Mensa posted on X.
According to the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), e-tax is a tax levied on all electronic funds transfers except those exempted by law. The rate is fixed at 1%.
The government decided to impose tax on electronic funds transfers in order to enhance domestic tax mobilization, widen the tax base and provide everyone with an opportunity to contribute to the nation’s development.
The tax was passed controversially and failed to meet the revenue targets it set.
If you were able to talk to the President and agree to make dialysis free when you were Vice President, you can also talk to him about the tax cuts you said you would implement when you come to power. Convince the President to agree to abolish electronic taxation 🤷♀️ https://t.co/aEcPcqoa5s
— Professor Kobe Mensa (@thePOE_T) June 3, 2024
NHIS announces free dialysis for select kidney patients
According to the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), from June 1, 2024 to December 2024, people below 18 years and above 60 years who have kidney disease will be able to receive eight free dialysis sessions every month.
The initiative, announced by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), marks the 20th anniversary of the scheme.
In a statement, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the NHIA, Dr Da Costa Aboagye, said the initiative was part of the commemorations.
As outlined in the NHIA 2024 Allocation Formula, the amount of GH¢2,000,000.00 has been authorized by the Government of Ghana and approved by Parliament.
The aim is to help financially disadvantaged and vulnerable patients who require dialysis treatment.
Additionally, the NHIA has allocated an additional GH¢2,400,000.00 from its approved Corporate Social Responsibility budget for the scheme to further support this important health intervention.
“As part of the NHIA’s 20th anniversary celebrations, the NHIA, through an administrative arrangement, has allocated an additional GH¢2,400,000 under the scheme’s Corporate Social Responsibility Approved Budget to support this initiative,” the statement said.
The report also stated that after examining patients currently undergoing dialysis, the monthly cost for those falling under the designated category is estimated at GH¢329,952.
By the end of December 2024, total expenditure is expected to reach about GH¢2.3 million.
See the statement here:
Sara
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