Audio By Carbonatix
The Minister of State at the Finance Ministry, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam has taken on the Minority Leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson over claims that the government is giving out GH¢5.5bn worth of tax exemptions to 47 companies with ties to the governing New Patriotic Party.
Responding to the allegation on JoyNews’ The Probe on Sunday, November 19, Dr Amin Adam said the claims are baseless.
He noted that he cannot pinpoint where the Minority Leader is getting his figures from, adding that he would have to find out the number of applications.
“There are almost the same number of members on the majority and minority side and so if Parliament has decided that a certain exemption be granted, why would you say that it had been done on the basis of the colours of those companies?
“What is the basis for identifying those companies? I thought those companies were Ghanaian companies doing legitimate business. Unless he wants to say that during their time, they were granting exemptions to NDC-affiliated companies. I think that Ghanaians should dismiss this with the contempt it deserves,” he said.
His comments follow the Minority in Parliament's accusations against the government of allegedly handing out an estimated GH¢5.5 billion worth of tax exemptions to NPP-affiliated companies under the One District One Factory initiative.
Minority Leader Dr Cassiel Ato Forson disclosed details of what he said was a government request before the Finance Committee to grant $449 million worth of tax exemptions to 47 companies.
The Ajumako Enyan Esiam MP has vowed to publish the names of the 47 companies currently before Parliament for tax exemptions.
But according to Dr Amin Adam, companies operating under the One District One Factory initiative have satisfied the requirements for waivers.
He added that there is no issue with granting exemptions to companies since the companies would help to grow the economy and create jobs in the country.
Latest Stories
-
Gov’t decision to terminate 541 contract has caused the nation losses – Walewale MP
3 minutes -
Police arrest suspected land guard in Abokobi with cache of firearms
14 minutes -
Keta Port After the State of the Nation Address: President John Mahama Sets the Path to Redefine Ghana’s Blue Economy and Maritime Future
1 hour -
Barker-Vormawor urges clearer rules and predictable framework for public-sector appointments
2 hours -
US-Israel-Iran war could affect Ghana’s gold and oil exports – Barker-Wormawor
2 hours -
Gov’t open to reviewing dismissals if affected workers were employed before December 7 – Kwakye Ofosu
2 hours -
NDC has spent more than any other gov’t in this fiscal year – Dr. Kabiru Mahama
2 hours -
US-Israel-Iran war: Walewale MP critiques Trump’s approach to foreign policy, calls for diplomacy
3 hours -
Gov’t rushing back to bond market despite spending concerns – Walewale MP
3 hours -
Domestic borrowing resumption will not lead to reckless spending – Kwakye Ofosu
3 hours -
Behind the Lens with Queen Liz explores evolving religious beliefs and questions of spiritual supremacy
3 hours -
IMANI-Africa questions credibility of UNIFIL contingent after attack on Ghanaian peacekeepers
3 hours -
Dialogue is the best path forward – Kwakye Ofosu on attack on Ghanaian UN peacekeepers
4 hours -
Preparing African children for the AI future – Why robotics is no longer optional in African schools
4 hours -
Gov’t defends scaled-down Independence Day celebration, cites cost and safety concerns
4 hours