The Minority in Parliament has alleged that the Nana Akufo-Addo authorities has launched 50 new taxes since 2017.
He mentioned the taxes have introduced nothing however an excessive amount of burden on the already impoverished Ghanaian.
This allegation was made by the Minority Leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson throughout his concluding remarks on the 2024 finances debate in Parliament on Wednesday, November 29, 2023.
“Mr. Speaker, you recall in 2017 this same Finance Minister told this House that they were removing so-called ‘nuisance taxes.’ That was a hoax! Today, we are witnessing an epidemic of nuisance taxes, taxes, and more taxes.”
“This government has burdened Ghanaians with over 50 taxes despite their promise ‘to shift the economy from taxation to production.’ Mr. Speaker, notwithstanding the over 50 taxes imposed by this government since 2017, this 2024 budget is introducing additional taxes worth GH¢11 billion,” he mentioned.
He mentioned the Minority in Parliament can’t help the 2024 finances due to some new taxes launched.
“Mr. Speaker, any additional tax will worsen the extreme poverty in our dear country. We cannot support these new taxes because they will put an extra burden on businesses. Already, businesses are collapsing because of the high cost of doing business in Ghana.”
“We cannot support these new taxes because currently tax exemptions pending before the Finance Committee amounts to GH¢5.5 billion, equivalent to USD449 million.”