Founder and President of IMANI Africa, Franklin Cudjoe, has condemned the government’s management of tax revenues, asserting that the taxes collected are squandered.
In a recent interview with Citi FM on July 27, Cudjoe criticized the government’s decision to retain several taxes, including the COVID-19 levy, despite strong appeals from the business sector for tax relief.
Mr Cudjoe expressed disappointment that the government has not acted on public demands to remove certain taxes to ease the financial burden on Ghanaians.
He noted that the business community has been vocal about the negative impact of these levies, and the government’s reluctance to address these concerns demonstrates a lack of understanding of the struggles faced by ordinary citizens.
Furthermore, Cudjoe lamented the absence of significant infrastructure development despite the high tax revenues. He questioned how the substantial amounts collected are being utilized, suggesting that the current approach is ineffective.
“Look at the haemorrhage we have been experiencing in terms of the way taxes received are wasted. There’s a certain anomaly to think that it’s only the government that can deliver development to persons and individuals. I’m not too sure that we should be conceptualising the essence of government… In the face of the wanton distraction that has happened to COVID-19 money, you recall that there was a special audit done for all COVID-19 received funds,” Cudjoe said.
He further criticized the COVID-19 tax, calling the situation “unnerving” and questioning its continued necessity amid economic difficulties largely caused by mismanagement.
Cudjoe urged the government to reassess its tax policies and prioritize the welfare of Ghanaians by ensuring more effective and transparent use of tax revenues.