In Ghana, the government is under pressure to have three new revenue bills passed by Parliament to help fix the ailing economy and secure a bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). However, the Minority in Parliament has voiced their opposition to the bills, citing concerns over the burden it will place on Ghanaians.
The Minority, led by the Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga, has stated that they will not support the bills unless the government shows a commitment to cutting down on its expenditure. Mr. Ayariga stressed that the government cannot continue to ask Ghanaians to pay more taxes without making efforts to reduce its own consumption of taxes.
The bills in question include the Excise Tax Stamp and Excise Duty amendment bills, Income Tax amendment bill and Growth and Sustainability levy bill. These bills are expected to generate GH¢4 billion per year in revenue for the government.
However, the opposition to these bills is not limited to the Minority in Parliament. Some business groups have also expressed their opposition to the bills, citing concerns over the impact it will have on their businesses.
It is important to note that while the government is seeking to raise revenue through these bills, it is equally important for them to address concerns raised by various groups, including the Minority in Parliament and business groups. The government must ensure that the burden is not placed solely on Ghanaians, but that they make efforts to reduce their own expenditure.
The passage of these bills is crucial for the government to secure a bailout from the IMF and to help fix the ailing economy. However, it is equally important for the government to ensure that the bills are not passed at the expense of the people of Ghana.
As Mr. Ayariga stated, “you will stand and be counted and everybody including your constituents will be watching and so if you don’t go with your constituents, they will see and measure you accordingly.” It is important for the government to listen to the concerns of the people and to act in their best interest.
In conclusion, while the government is seeking to raise revenue through the passage of three new bills, it is important for them to address concerns raised by various groups, including the Minority in Parliament and business groups. The government must ensure that the burden is not placed solely on Ghanaians and that they make efforts to reduce their own expenditure. The government must listen to the concerns of the people and act in their best interest.
