Audio By Carbonatix
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has pledged to leverage its newly declared "majority status" in Parliament to alleviate the tax burden on Ghanaians.
The Minority Leader, Dr Ato Forson said controversial taxes such as the Electronic Transfers Levy also known as E-Levy and betting taxes would be scrapped.
Speaking at a press conference on Sunday following Speaker Alban Bagbin's ruling, which declared four parliamentary seats vacant, the NDC caucus leader, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, affirmed the party's commitment to reducing what he described as “nuisance taxes.”
Dr Ato Forson reiterated that "the NDC’s majority status" would be used to ease the economic hardships caused by the policies of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) government.
He assured the public that the NDC’s immediate focus would be on removing taxes that have caused widespread dissatisfaction.
“It is indeed true that we will use our new majority numbers to benefit Ghanaians by introducing private members' bills to remove the e-Levy to reduce the suffering of the people.
“It is also true that we will use our new majority to remove the betting tax and other nuisance taxes.”
The e-Levy, introduced by the NPP government, has been a source of public outcry since its implementation, with many citizens and businesses complaining about its adverse impact on transactions and economic activity.
Similarly, the recent introduction of a tax on betting and gaming has stirred controversy, particularly among the youth, who rely on these platforms for income.
Dr Forson further criticized the NPP government for creating a "high tax regime" that, according to him, has stifled businesses and pushed many Ghanaians to the brink of financial ruin.
He assured the business community and the general public that the NDC’s majority would work to protect their interests.
“Already, this NPP government has made Ghana a high tax regime, and that is affecting the survival of businesses and the people. We assure you that we will use our new majority to protect businesses and the people of Ghana, as we have always maintained,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court’s stay of execution on Speaker Bagbin’s ruling, which initially declared four seats vacant, has temporarily halted the shift in parliamentary dynamics.
Nevertheless, the NDC insists it will defend its majority status and use its influence to introduce legislative reforms aimed at reducing the financial burden on Ghanaians.
Parliament is expected to resume sitting on Tuesday, October 22, where the Speaker's response to the Supreme Court ruling is highly anticipated.
Latest Stories
-
Ghanaians weren’t told the full truth – Minority accuses NDC of misleading public on Family Values Bill
2 minutes -
Ghana’s food system under pressure as stakeholders gather to chart climate-resilient future
2 minutes -
Minister calls for urgent food system transformation amid climate and health concerns
5 minutes -
Over 100,000 non-professional teachers risk removal – National Teaching Council
9 minutes -
Okoe Vanderpuije hails gov’t over swift evacuation of Ghanaians from South Africa
15 minutes -
In the dark: The security risk Ghana is ignoring at Elubo
16 minutes -
NDPC, NCCE deepen partnership to advance National Development Plan and Civic Transformation
16 minutes -
Takoradi dry dock project secures £101m UK-backed investment
17 minutes -
NDPC, ISD strengthen partnership to support National Development Plan rollout
21 minutes -
Has the Bill lost part of its force and value? – Ntim Fordjour questions changes to anti-LGBTQ+ bill
26 minutes -
What changed between ‘sign it now’ and ‘amend it first’? — Minority challenges NDC on anti-LGBTQ+ bill
29 minutes -
Ntim Fordjour defends Akufo-Addo’s handling of Anti-gay Bill
37 minutes -
Muntaka begins Volta Regional stakeholder tour to strengthen peace and security
40 minutes -
Government secures 120 job opportunities for Ghanaians evacuated from South Africa
45 minutes -
Road Safety Authority urges caution as rains increase crash risks
47 minutes