Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has accused the Majority of recalling Parliament to fast-track tax exemptions benefiting crony businesses.

He argued that the tax exemptions, totaling over $350 million, are not urgent enough to justify Parliament's recall.

“This recall comes barely 95 days to the 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections. This recall has indeed been triggered by the NPP majority and it is to enable them to fast-track tax giveaways to their crony businesses,” he claimed.

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Speaking on the floor on September 3, Dr. Ato Forson insisted that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) MPs are opposed to these tax exemptions, arguing that they do not serve the best interests of ordinary Ghanaians.

He called for these exemptions to be converted into tax credits or linked to equity shares as stipulated in the Tax Exemption Act.

“We will not support the giveaway of over $350 million to crony businesses in a very opaque and untransparent manner,” he maintained.

In response, Majority Leader Afenyo-Markin refuted Dr. Forson’s claims, arguing that they are unfounded and not backed by facts.

According to him, the Minority Leader's comments would rather discourage investors and give uncertainty to the business environment which will affect the country.

He therefore urged the Minority to loosen up and support the tax emptions.

“I encourage the Minority to support the tax exemptions programme. The finance committee throughout the recess has been working hard to scrutinise these applications. I am aware that through their scrutiny, they have brought down the figures significantly.”