The Minority Leader and Member of Parliament for Effutu, Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has criticised the government over what he described as the increasing tax burden on Ghanaians, accusing the National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration of failing to fulfil promises made to citizens.
According to him, many Ghanaians are already struggling with the rising cost of living, making the introduction of additional taxes a source of concern for households and businesses.
Hon. Afenyo-Markin questioned the timing of the Finance Minister’s announcement, suggesting that the decision to make the disclosure on the final day of the parliamentary sitting appeared calculated to minimise public scrutiny and debate.
He also took issue with explanations offered by the Minister for Energy in defence of the government’s policies, arguing that the current administration appeared to have forgotten the positions it held while in opposition.
The Minority Leader further raised concerns about issues relating to the Road Fund, government systems and accountability, insisting that policy explanations would mean little to citizens who continue to face economic hardship.
He also referred to concerns surrounding Ghana’s engagement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), public-sector reforms and the broader management of the economy, urging the government to pay greater attention to the impact of its decisions on ordinary Ghanaians.
Hon. Afenyo-Markin argued that the government should not continue to impose new taxes without providing meaningful relief to individuals and businesses.
He maintained that the NDC had promised a different approach to economic management while in opposition but was now relying heavily on taxation.
The Minority Leader called on the government to reconsider its approach and introduce policies that would ease the financial burden on Ghanaians while promoting accountability and sustainable economic growth.
By Dennis Awuni | Parliamentary Correspondent
