Parliament of Ghana is still to grant tax exemptions for 42 selected companies under the One District, One Factory (1D1F) programme, due to delays by the Parliament’s Finance Committee in scrutinizing these firms.
Mr Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the Majority Leader, has condemned this delay as a deliberate move by the Minority to impede the government’s efforts to attract investment into the country.
In 2021, the government sought Parliament’s approval for tax exemptions for various businesses participating in the flagship 1D1F industrialization policy.
This initiative aimed to signal to the international investor community that Ghana offers a conducive environment for business, thereby boosting economic contributions.
However, the process has been hampered by extensive parliamentary delays, primarily due to demands for further deliberation and scrutiny by members of the Minority caucus.
Mr Cassiel Ato Forson, a prominent figure in the Minority, has strongly opposed advancing the entire list of exemptions from the committee stage, citing irregularities with some listed companies and their requested tax exemption amounts.
The Minority also rejected a proposal to present 15 companies, deemed free of irregularities, to the floor of Parliament, leaving the Majority Leader visibly frustrated. While some arguments against presenting the list may have merit, the prolonged delay—now in its fourth year—raises concerns about an intentional effort to obstruct the government’s agenda.
These delays pose a threat to industrial growth.
The exemptions are intended to lower operational costs, making it more enticing for businesses to establish and expand their operations.
Without these incentives, affected companies may scale back their plans, leading to slower industrialization and fewer job opportunities, thereby undermining the objectives of the 1D1F programme.
Moreover, the ongoing impasse could negatively impact investor confidence in Ghana.
International investors seek stability and predictability in economic policies.
The perception of political gridlock and uncertainty surrounding the tax exemption process may deter potential investors, who fear similar bureaucratic hurdles and a lack of policy consistency in the future.
It is imperative for Parliament to leverage its unique numerical composition to foster strong bipartisan relations for the benefit of Ghana.
Healthy bipartisan collaborations invariably create more stable environments that favor businesses, irrespective of the government in power.
Ensuring the timely approval of these tax exemptions could enhance Ghana’s industrialization efforts and signal to the global investor community the country’s commitment to creating a conducive business environment.
As the situation unfolds, the focus remains on whether Parliament can resolve these delays and move forward with the necessary approvals to support the 1D1F programme and the broader economic goals of the nation.