Minority in parliament has called on Ghanaians to embrace themselves for tougher times as Government Economic policy does not present any solutions to current economic challenges. The finance minister on Wednesday layed Government’s planned expenditure for the next year. The minister said the nation is on the path of recovery.
Haven promised the year of road for two successive years, finance Minister Ken Ofori Atta this time round did not tag 2024 a year of roads. He simply listed projects at its stages of completion.
“The ongoing projects are ongoing and are at various stages of completion. Kumasi lake road and extension project is completed. Reconstruction of Bechem Takyimantia, Akomaden road is at 71% complete. Government is in the preparation for the reconstruction of the Accra Kumasi motor way”
A notable concern however was the renegotiation with external creditors to enable the completion of some projects which has stored in different parts of the country.
“We continue to improve on our road networks and Mr. Speaker, once the official project Committee has made it announcement, we will continue all the extended funded projects that will be resumed”
On social interventions, the finance minister announced, Government intension to improve on various programs. He in spite concerns over an IMF program.
“Support for beneficiaries of the LEAP program for sustaining 2023, Government invested some 298million support thirty five thousand families.
In 2024, the program will be financing a 15% more and continue to provide more schools to enhance basic school’s enrollment. The National Health Insurance Scheme, Mr. Speaker is now active re coverage of 69million people representing 80% of the targeted group”
The minority leader Cassel Ato Forson said Ghanaians should embrace themselves for tougher times because they Government have just change the names of some of the already existing taxes.
“Dr Cassel said “Have you paid attention to the budget?
The minister for finance taught himself that he is too smart that he doesn’t want public attention to be on the taxes he has introduced from day one.
But we have the eyes to decode it. He has introduced new taxes worth GHC11b. Simply put; he is taking 11b from your pocket, the pocket of your producer and marketers including your company that is what they have done.
Introduction of new taxes worth GHC11billion
- In the statement look at page 18 of his statement.
He wrote English language and therefore added those taxes that they want to introduce.
1: he is going to introduce vehicle emissions tax: it a vehicle luxury tax in the new levy with a new name to create impression that they are collecting it from vehicles that have produced higher emissions.
Aside that, they are also introducing other tax handles like the tax stamp
Dr. Forson made the call on 3fm and monitored by Ahotor FM news desk.
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KAAKYIRE NYAMEKYE DANSOA
EMAIL elizabethgyebi215@gmail.com
