The Minority Leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has expressed deep disappointment with the mid-year budget review presented by Finance Minister Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam. Describing the address as uninspiring and devoid of new ideas, Dr. Forson said that the review offered no hope or roadmap to tackle the numerous problems facing Ghanaians.
Addressing the press, Dr. Forson condemned the government’s tax policies over the past seven and a half years, arguing that they have burdened ordinary citizens and businesses, making Ghana a high-tax regime. He listed various levies, including the e-levy, COVID-19 levy, sanitation levy, and taxes on petroleum products and emissions, as well as high import duties and over 40 new taxes. According to Dr. Forson, these policies have rendered Ghana unattractive for investment, leading to the relocation of many businesses to neighboring countries like Benin Republic.
“As a result, many Ghanaian businesses are relocating to Togo and Ivory Coast among others. In fact, last week I heard of a company moving from Ghana to Benin Republic. Ghana has lost so many job opportunities as a result of the relocation of these businesses,” he said.
Dr. Forson highlighted the deteriorating conditions at Ghana’s ports, particularly the Tema Port, which he claimed has lost nearly 50% of its traffic, further contributing to job losses. He painted a bleak picture of life in Ghana, describing the cost of living as unbearable, with many citizens struggling to afford basic necessities. High food prices were cited as a major issue, with Dr. Forson criticizing the government’s failure to provide a clear plan to address this in the mid-year review.
The Minority Leader also criticized the Planting for Food and Jobs programme, describing it as a monumental failure despite significant investments. He warned that youth unemployment and food insecurity are major threats to national security, eroding public confidence in democracy, as highlighted in a recent Afro barometer report.
Dr. Forson called for the removal of several taxes, including the e-levy, COVID-19 levy, betting tax, sanitation levy, emission levy, and VAT on domestic electricity consumption.
He painted a dire picture of the government’s legacy, describing it as one of economic mismanagement, high inflation, and rampant unemployment. Dr. Forson accused the government of leaving behind a bankrupt economy, a collapsed cocoa board, and an insolvent Bank of Ghana.
The Minority Leader assured Ghanaians that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the minority in parliament are aware of the hardships facing the population. He pledged that the NDC would confront these challenges head-on starting January 7, 2025, if the party wins the general elections.
“We are aware of the hopelessness of our youth, the suffering of ordinary Ghanaians, and the collapsed state-owned enterprises. Our pledge is to confront these challenges head-on beginning January 7th, 2025,” Dr. Forson stated.
