Audio By Carbonatix
Government says a bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is not in its plans to restore fiscal stability in the country.
Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta insists that the repercussion of seeking an IMF bailout will not be favourable for the country’s fortunes.
“Consequences are dire, we are a proud nation, we have the resources, we have the capacity. We are not people of short-sight, but we have to move on,” he said on Thursday.
This comes in the wake of economic challenges facing the country which have prompted speculation about a possible step in that direction.
The Finance Ministry is currently praying Parliament to consider its proposal of a 1.75% electronic transactions levy (E-Levy) in the 2022 budget to increase revenue.
This commitment is facing fierce opposition from the Minority in the House who have cited concerns of exacerbating the plight of ordinary Ghanaians.
Speaking at a Townhall Meeting in Tamale over the said levy, the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta explained that it will not seek the assistance of the IMF.
However, government will resort to "homegrown" alternatives to boost the economy.
"I can say; we are not going to the IMF. Whatever we do, we are not... So let’s think of who we are as strong proud people, the shining star of Africa, and we have the capacity to do whatever we want to do if we speak one language and ensure that we share the burden in the issues ahead,” he said.
The controversial E-Levy is estimated to rake in some ¢6.9 billion annually, according to the Finance Ministry.
Thursday’s event was the third in a series of town hall meetings geared towards sensitizing the populace on the controversial levy.
Latest Stories
-
Mahama reprimanded Baba Jamal – NDC says code of conduct is already working
50 minutes -
Description of conduct as ‘inappropriate’ is based on NDC’s constitution – Gbande on vote-buying claims
1 hour -
NDC can only reprimand, not prosecute – Gbande explains limits of party sanctions
2 hours -
Even talking about it is progress – NDC’s Gbande defends probe into vote-buying claims
2 hours -
PM asks Sir Jim Ratcliffe to apologise for saying UK ‘colonised by immigrants’
5 hours -
16 hours of daily use is ‘problematic,’ not addiction – Instagram boss
5 hours -
US House votes to overturn Trump’s tariffs on Canada
5 hours -
Dad unlawfully killed daughter in Texas shooting, coroner rules
5 hours -
Anas wins 7 – 0 as SC unanimously rejects attempts to reverse judgment in his favour
5 hours -
Trump tells Netanyahu Iran nuclear talks must continue
6 hours -
The cocoa conundrum: Why Ghana’s farmers are poor despite making the world’s best chocolate
7 hours -
Powerful cyclone kills at least 31 as it tears through Madagascar port
7 hours -
GoldBod summons 6 gold service providers over compliance exercise
7 hours -
Power disruption expected in parts of Accra West as ECG conducts maintenance
7 hours -
Police investigate alleged arson attack at Alpha Hour Church
8 hours
