2024 budget does not benefit Ghanaians

The Minority in Parliament has expressed its strong resistance to the 2024 budget presented by the government, arguing that it does not have any benefits for Ghanaians. Isaac Adongo, the Member of Parliament for Bolgatanga Central argued that the tax measures by the government are roads to more hardships for the populace.

“We are simply saying the budget as they have presented will not inure to the benefit of the people of Ghana and as a result, we are opposed to it. We disagree with the raft of tax measures that will impose hardship,” he told TV3.

Isaac Adongo’s comments came after the speaker ruled that the house could not approve the budget and asked the business committee to reschedule it for the upcoming week.

“The budget statement and economic policy of the government for the year 2024 is still before the House and so the business committee will reschedule it for next week,” Bagbin stated in Parliament on Thursday.

Following the decision, the Majority Leader accused the Speaker of delaying the approval of the 2024 budget so the Minority in Parliament could have their full numbers present.

Speaking after the Mjaority once again walked out on their own budget after doing so in 2022, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu said “Sam George is not here, Zanetor is not here, Mahama Ayariga, is not here so five of their members are not here. All the speaker is doing is to delay the time for their members to come.”

Meanwhile, the Minority Leader took aim at the government saying it has run out of ideas after imposing a 20% tax on “akpeteshie”. The government in the 2024 budget introduced new taxes on alcoholic products and petrol and diesel engines.

He said, “This government indeed has an insatiable appetite for taxes. The Akufo-ddo/Bawumia government is imposing 20% tax on “akpeteshie” (they have run out of ideas). Petrol and diesel vehicle owners should also expect to pay a new annual tax of GHS100 per vehicle on all petrol and diesel cars (internal combustion engine vehicles).”

“This tax will be imposed on all trotros, aboboyaas, okadas, taxis, commercial buses, trucks, ambulances, construction and heavy-duty vehicles, water tankers, private cars, etc. Once your vehicle is powered by petrol or diesel, the government is imposing this tax on you.”