The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has committed to utilizing its recently announced “majority status” in Parliament to reduce the tax burden on Ghanaians.
Dr. Ato Forson, the Minority Leader, stated that contentious taxes, including the Electronic Transfers Levy (E-Levy) and betting taxes, will be eliminated.
During a press conference on Sunday, following Speaker Alban Bagbin’s ruling that declared four parliamentary seats vacant, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the NDC caucus leader, reaffirmed the party’s dedication to eliminating what he termed “nuisance taxes.”
He emphasized that “the NDC’s majority status” will be instrumental in alleviating the economic difficulties stemming from the policies of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) government.
Dr. Ato Forson promised the public that the NDC’s primary goal would be to abolish taxes that have led to widespread discontent.
“It is indeed true that we will use our new majority numbers to benefit Ghanaians by introducing private members’ bills to remove the e-Levy to reduce the suffering of the people.
“It is also true that we will use our new majority to remove the betting tax and other nuisance taxes.”
The e-Levy, launched by the NPP government, has sparked significant public discontent since its rollout, as numerous citizens and businesses have voiced concerns about its negative effects on transactions and economic activity.
Likewise, the recent implementation of a tax on betting and gaming has generated controversy, especially among young people who depend on these platforms for income.
Dr. Forson also lambasted the NPP government for establishing a “high tax regime” that he claims has hindered businesses and driven many Ghanaians to the brink of financial collapse.
He reassured both the business community and the general populace that the NDC’s majority would advocate for their interests.
“Already, this NPP government has made Ghana a high tax regime, and that is affecting the survival of businesses and the people. We assure you that we will use our new majority to protect businesses and the people of Ghana, as we have always maintained,” he added.
In the meantime, the Supreme Court’s decision to suspend the execution of Speaker Bagbin’s ruling— which had previously declared four seats vacant— has momentarily stalled changes in parliamentary dynamics.
However, the NDC maintains its commitment to uphold its majority status and intends to leverage its power to implement legislative reforms designed to lessen the financial strain on Ghanaians.
Parliament is set to reconvene on Tuesday, October 22, with considerable anticipation surrounding the Speaker’s reaction to the Supreme Court ruling.