Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has raised questions about the government’s unwillingness to decrease the number of taxes introduced for the 2024 fiscal year.
He contends that the government is focused on expanding its expenditure while imposing additional taxes on the average Ghanaian.
“This attitude of oh, they can have their say and we will always have our way wrong. We have said that there are so many taxes; why can’t you just reduce taxes and expenditures?
“Always, you are increasing your expenditure, increasing the number of people you are appointing, and all kinds of fanciful projects that are needless,” he stated while speaking to Accra-based Joy News.
The Member of Parliament, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, reiterated specific areas where he believes the government could cut down on expenses.
He raised reservations about what he perceives as extravagant projects and the growing number of appointments to government positions.
Ablakwa also expressed concerns about the excessive tax waivers granted to various companies, emphasising the contradiction in the government seeking substantial financial aid from international bodies like the IMF while offering significant tax concessions.
“You remember how many months I have been talking about the National Cathedral project? Now we have the world’s most expensive hole.
“You remember how many months I have been talking about the president’s chartered travels? They were spending like there was no tomorrow. Now, the chickens have come home to roost. Now, you want to impose more taxes.
“So, why don’t you listen to us and reduce the taxes? We have also said that the tax waivers that you are granting your crony companies—about 45 of them—are too much. You cannot expect $6 billion from the IMF and more than $450 million in tax waivers. Imagine what those monies could do,” he asked.