Member of Parliament for Yapei-Kusawgu, John Jinapor has expressed strong opposition to the government’s upcoming budget plans, revealing that Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta aims to introduce new taxes and raise existing ones to secure an additional GH₵11 billion for the IMF programme.
In an interview with Happy 98.9 FM’s Reynolds Agyeman, Jinapor criticized the move, stating it would only exacerbate the hardships faced by the people of Ghana.
Jinapor disclosed that discussions with the Finance Ministry revealed the government’s intent to implement these fiscal measures to meet the IMF programme’s requirements. The MP emphasized that the burden of increased taxes would negatively impact Ghanaians, questioning the government’s ability to effectively manage the country.
“What this has shown is that this NPP government cannot run and manage the administration of the country, and they need to pack and leave,” he remarked.
He further criticized Vice President Dr. Bawumia, the Chairman of the Economic Management Team, for his perceived silence on economic matters, suggesting a lack of solutions for the ailing economy.
There are increasing demands for the government to take into account large spending cuts in order to address Ghana’s economic issues as the country prepares for the Finance Minister’s November 15, 2023, presentation of the 2024 Annual Budget Statement and Economic Policy.
The proposed tax hikes have sparked controversy and raised concerns about the potential impact on citizens already grappling with economic hardships.
