The Minority in Parliament claims that the Nana Akufo-Addo administration has imposed 50 new taxes since 2017.
He claimed that the tariffs had imposed an undue burden on Ghanaians who are already destitute.
On Wednesday, November 29, 2023, Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson made this charge during his concluding remarks on the 2024 budget debate in Parliament.
“Mr. Speaker, you recall in 2017 this same Finance Minister told this House that they were removing so-called ‘nuisance taxes.’ That was a hoax! Today, we are witnessing an epidemic of nuisance taxes, taxes, and more taxes.”
“This government has burdened Ghanaians with over 50 taxes despite their promise ‘to shift the economy from taxation to production.’ Mr. Speaker, notwithstanding the over 50 taxes imposed by this government since 2017, this 2024 budget is introducing additional taxes worth GH¢11 billion,” he said.
He stated that the Minority in Parliament will be unable to approve the 2024 budget due to higher taxes.
“Mr. Speaker, any additional tax will exacerbate our dear country’s extreme poverty.” We cannot accept these new taxes since they would impose further costs on businesses. Businesses are already crumbling due to the high cost of doing business in Ghana.”
“We cannot support these new taxes because currently tax exemptions pending before the Finance Committee amounts to GH¢5.5 billion, equivalent to USD449 million.”
