Government has imposed a staggering 20% taxation on local alcoholic beverages The Independent Ghana can report.
In a scathing critique, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the Minority Leader, has taken aim at the government’s decision. The outspoken critic decries these measures as indicative of what he perceives as a lack of innovative economic management by the current administration.
The government’s move to impose a 20% tax on akpeteshie, a popular local alcoholic beverage, has drawn strong opposition from Dr. Forson. Expressing concern for both local producers and consumers, he condemns the decision as potentially harmful to the industry and the pockets of ordinary citizens.
In addition, Dr. Forson has raised objections to the proposed annual tax of GHC100 on all petrol and diesel vehicles, encompassing a wide range of transportation modes such as trotros, aboboyaas, okadas, taxis, commercial buses, and even ambulances. The tax, intended to apply to internal combustion engine vehicles, has faced further denunciation from Dr. Forson.
Challenging the government’s stated aim of promoting cleaner energy sources, specifically electric vehicles, Dr. Forson asserts that this might be a mere smokescreen for a more pragmatic motive of revenue generation. He accuses the government of lacking creativity in formulating effective economic policies and argues that resorting to indiscriminate taxation reflects an insatiable appetite for revenue rather than a commitment to innovative governance.
In a strongly worded statement, Dr. Forson declares, “This government, indeed, has an insatiable appetite for taxes. The Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government is imposing a 20% tax on ‘akpeteshie’—they have run out of ideas.” He adds, “Petrol and diesel vehicle owners should also expect to pay a new annual tax of GHS100 per vehicle on all petrol and diesel cars (internal combustion engine vehicles). This tax will be imposed on all trotros, aboboyaas, okadas, taxis, commercial buses, trucks, ambulances, construction and heavy-duty vehicles, water tankers, private cars, etc. Once your vehicle is powered by petrol or diesel, the government is imposing this tax on you.”
The criticisms from Dr. Forson underscore a growing debate on the balance between revenue generation and the potential impact of taxes on various sectors of the economy, as the government’s fiscal policies come under increased scrutiny.