The Minority in Parliament has declared its intention to oppose any government move to grant tax exemptions to 45 companies labelled as One-District-One-Factory entities and strategic investors by the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC).

In a statement on Monday, November 27, the Minority Leader, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, accused the Akufo-Addo government of seeking tax breaks for its associates, claiming they are driven by insatiable greed and reliance on corrupt practices.

Dr Forson expressed concern over the increasing number of companies being presented for tax exemptions under the current administration.

Currently, he indicated, “There are about 45 companies that have been presented to Parliament as one- one-district-one-factory companies, GIPC strategic investors, etc, to be exempted from the payment of taxes. In total, the government is asking parliament to grant tax exemptions to the tune of USD449,446,247.95 for these 45 companies. That is the equivalent of over five and a half (5.5) billion Ghana cedis!

“Because this is an issue that impacts our economy significantly, we have compiled a full list of all the 45 companies and their respective exemptions being requested. As a Minority in Parliament, we have a duty to let the Ghanaian taxpayer who is being burdened with all manner of taxes, know this truth.

He further emphasized that National Democratic Congress (NDC) MPs will vehemently oppose any move to exploit the nation for the benefit of a privileged few.

“We, in the Minority are serving notice that we shall resist these tax waiver applications fiercely! In their current forms, we shall resist each and every one of the tax waiver applications with all the tools and strategies at our disposal," he concluded.