Former president John Mahama has jabbed the Vice-President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, over the passage of the three revenue bills amidst the current economic challenges facing Ghana.
He described the vice president, who doubles as the head of Ghana’s Economic Management Team (EMT), as one who has become best at speaking more on issues than acting on them.
Parliament on Friday, March 31, 2023, through a majority decision, passed three new taxes. These are: Income Tax Amendment Bill, Excise Duty Amendment Bill, and Growth and Sustainability Amendment Bill.
According to government, these taxes are expected to generate approximately GH¢4 billion per year to supplement domestic revenue.
Commenting on the development on his wall Facebook, Mr. Mahama, in his view, said the government has failed to take measures aimed at easing the tax burden on Ghanaians as promised some years back.
His post was attached with a video of Vice president Dr. Mamadou Bawumia on Accra-based Joy FM, where the latter was heard attributing the dwindling economy to taxes.
“Government is estimated to save almost GHC50 billion this year from the suspension of external debt service payments and the Domestic Debt Exchange.
“This windfall and a reduction of government expenditure could have been used to reduce the tax burden being imposed on Ghanaian businesses and individuals now,” he said.
He stressed “In fact, it would have brought some tax relief to Ghanaian industry and business instead of the three new taxes from which government expects to raise only GHC4 billion.
“What happened to the zeal behind this video? Easier said than done? John Mahama asked.
