Minority Leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, Criticizes NPP for Lack of New Ideas in Mid-Year Budget Review
Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson criticizes the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for failing to introduce new ideas to develop Ghana, following the mid-year budget review presented by the Finance Minister.
The Minority Leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has voiced strong criticism against the New Patriotic Party (NPP), claiming the party lacks new ideas to drive the country's development.
In a statement following the presentation of the mid-year budget by the Finance Minister, Dr. Forson expressed disappointment that the anticipated review did not include the abolition of several taxes that many Ghanaians had expected.
According to Dr. Forson, the excessive taxation has transformed Ghana into a high-tax regime, compelling numerous businesses to relocate out of the country. He highlighted specific taxes, including the Covid-19 levy, E-levy, bola tax, tax on domestic electricity, and the emission levy, as burdensome to the economy.
"Mr. Speaker, this is a missed opportunity. Mr. Speaker, instead, the minister did not announce one single new policy. The minister did not introduce new ideas. Mr. Speaker, unfortunately, Ghana is on autopilot. Our economy is on autopilot,” Dr. Forson remarked.
In his speech, Dr. Forson pointed out discrepancies in the government's adherence to its International Monetary Fund (IMF) program targets, particularly highlighting the content of Appendix 2(a) on page 107 of the mid-year review and economic policy document. He noted that the government had already missed its IMF program targets, accumulating new arrears worth 4.5 billion Ghana cedis despite stipulations against it.
“Mr. Speaker, in the original budget this government had program zero for the first half of the year. Meanwhile, in the mid-year review appendix 2(a) provisional, they have actually incurred new arrears worth 4.5 billion cedis. Mr. Speaker, we are ready to debate now.
"Mr. Speaker, I am not surprised; all I want to tell them is that they are bereft of new ideas,” Dr. Forson concluded.
This development raises concerns about the government's fiscal discipline and its ability to adhere to international financial obligations, further deepening the debate on Ghana's economic strategy and leadership.
What's Your Reaction?
