The Minority Leader, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has strongly criticised the government's proposed new taxes on akpeteshie, petrol, and diesel in the 2024 budget.

In his view, these are indicators of the government's lack of innovative ideas for managing the economy.

In a social media post on Sunday, December 4, the Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam lawmaker expressed his disapproval of the government's decision to impose a 20% tax on akpeteshie, a local alcoholic beverage.

Fellow Ghanaians,

This government indeed has an insatiable appetite for taxes.

The Akufo-Addo/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… pic.twitter.com/lGxH1hKLp3

— Cassiel Ato Forson(PhD) (@Cassielforson) December 3, 2023

He emphasised the potential negative impact on local producers and consumers.

Dr Ato Forson also condemned the proposed annual tax of GHC100 on all petrol and diesel vehicles, including trotros [Commercial buses], aboboyaas [Tricycles], okadas [Motorbikes], taxis and ambulances.

The former Deputy Finance Minister argued that the government's rationale for these taxes, promoting the use of cleaner energy sources like electric vehicles, was merely a smokescreen for its true motive of generating additional revenue.

“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.”