President of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), University of Ghana Chapter, Professor Ransford Gyampo has provided a critical analysis of Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s recent address outlining his vision for Ghana, shedding light on aspects that raise serious questions about the government’s performance and policies.
In his analysis, Gyampo highlighted portions of Dr Bawumia’s presentation that serve as an indictment on the government, of which he is a part.
Particularly, Gyampo pointed out Dr Bawumia’s promise to streamline the size of government by limiting ministerial appointments to not more than 50, despite the current administration having over 100 ministers.
This statement, according to Gyampo, vindicates critics who have long called for the downsizing of government.
“Promising to have not more than 50 Ministers when you are part of a government of over 100 Ministers,” he said.
Moreover, Prof Gyampo noted Dr. Bawumia’s pledge to abolish certain taxes, including the Emissions tax, Gaming Tax, E-Levy, and VAT on electricity consumption.
These promises, Gyampo argued, align with criticisms previously voiced by himself and others regarding the burden of these “nuisance taxes” on the populace.
He raised the question of whether Dr Bawumia‘s supporters would now hold him accountable for these promises, given his favorable response to criticisms on the size of government and tax policies.
“…and promising to abolish some taxes like the Emissions tax, Gaming Tax, E-Levy, VAT on electricity consumption etc makes some of us feel vindicated for criticizing and calling for downsizing of government and the abolition of such nuisance taxes.
“DMB’s supporters came after us for such criticisms and I am wondering whether they will go after him, now that he’s taken a position that responds favorably to our criticisms on the size of government and nuisance taxes,” he added.