Accept responsibility for high taxes – Minority rebukes Dr. Bawumia over GRA comment

The Minority Caucus in Parliament has asked the Vice President, Mahamudu Bawumia, to own up to his responsibilities for the introduction of high taxes in the country.

In a press release signed by the Minority Leader, Cassiel Ato Forson, on March 26, 2024, the Minority Caucus highlighted that the creation of high taxes in the country by Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is the reason why lots of Ghanaians have moved to other Western countries for business purposes.

The minority argued that the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) is not to blame for the high taxes and fallouts, but the Vice President, who has added other insensitive taxes on his watch as Chairman of the government’s Economic Management Team.

“Instead of blaming GRA workers, Alhaji Bawumia should take responsibility for the regressive and crippling taxes that his government has imposed.”

“The government’s huge appetite for taxes has created a high tax regime, which has made the country unattractive for doing business. It is therefore not surprising that many businesses in Ghana are relocating to other countries in the West African sub-region.”

“This spells out doom and gloom for Ghanaian employees as jobs that would have otherwise been filled by them get exported as a consequence of the relocation of businesses from the country,” the statement noted.

The Minority Caucus disclosed in the press their intentions to bring a private members’ bill to repeal what it deems regressive taxes that have negatively impacted businesses.

“It was because of the adverse impact of these taxes on businesses and the people that the NDC Minority Caucus in Parliament resisted the draconian taxes and voted en bloc against them.

“Already, we have served notice that the NDC Minority Caucus will bring a private member’s bill to remove e-levy, emission tax, and betting tax.”