The Minority in Parliament has strongly criticized the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) flagbearer, Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, for his recent comments regarding the revenue mobilization methods employed by the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).
During a meeting with the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dr Bawumia expressed concerns about the alleged misuse of tax collection by GRA staff, citing it as a pretext for harassing businesses.
The NDC MPs have deemed Dr. Bawumia’s remarks unsubstantial, particularly considering his position as the Vice President of the country.
In a press statement released on Tuesday, March 26, and signed by their leader Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, they emphasized the importance of accountability. They urged Dr Bawumia and the government to acknowledge their role in creating what they perceive as a high tax regime.
The Minority expressed surprise at Dr. Bawumia’s public criticism of the GRA, arguing that the authority is simply fulfilling its constitutionally mandated duty of tax enforcement.
Additionally, they argued that the Akufo-Addo administration’s policies of excessive taxation have made Ghana a less appealing destination for business activities.
“It is shocking to note that Alhaji Bawumia had the audacity to single out GRA workers for attack and condemnation after the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government had imposed a lot of taxes on businesses and Ghanaians.”
“The government’s huge appetitie for taxes has created a high tax regime which has made the country unattractive for doing business. It is therefore not surprising that many businesses in Ghana are relocating to other countries in the West African sub-region. This spells doom and gloom for Ghanaian employees as jobs which would have otherwise been filled by them get exported as a consequence of the relocation of businesses from the country.”
Organized Labour, in a statement dated Friday, March 22, 2024, has labeled Dr. Bawumia’s comments as “unfortunate,” viewing them as a discrediting of the dedicated efforts of GRA employees.
They cautioned that such remarks could lead to worker dissatisfaction, hinder revenue collection, and incite industrial unrest.
The group urged the Vice President to acknowledge the significant strides made by the GRA or refrain from making remarks that undermine their efforts.
They also highlighted the inconsistency in Dr. Bawumia’s position, considering his leadership role in the Economic Management Team and his knowledge of the government’s targets for the Authority through the Ministry of Finance.
“We would like to state unequivocally that, we the workers of GRA find this statement unfortunate and consider it as an attack on the efforts of the hard-working staff of the Authority which if not discontinued, would incur the displeasure of workers, disrupt revenue collection efforts and breed industrial disharmony.”