The Ranking Member on Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has criticized the outgoing government’s proposal to grant tax waivers amounting to $350 million for 46 selected companies.

Mr. Ablakwa described the move as fiscally irresponsible and accused the government of prioritizing cronies over the welfare of ordinary Ghanaians.

In an interview on Joy FM's Newsnight on Monday, December 16, he questioned the rationale behind saddling the incoming administration with a significant fiscal burden created by what he termed as unjustified tax waivers.

“They have voted for change. They have rejected state capture, where a few crony companies are selected and given tax waivers. These tax waivers will amount to a whopping $350 million. Why do you want to saddle the incoming government with this huge fiscal burden on COVID companies?” he asked.

The North Tongu MP also criticized the lack of transparency in the selection process for the beneficiary companies, adding that granting tax waivers to well-connected firms contradicts the government’s earlier stance.

“In his first State of the Nation Address, President Akufo-Addo criticized tax waivers, saying they were not good for the economy. So what has changed? Why are we now focusing on benefiting those with financial muscle instead of considering the masses?”

Mr Ablakwa highlighted the need to redirect resources to initiatives that align with the incoming administration’s priorities, such as social interventions and infrastructure development.

Additionally, he called on Parliament to reject the tax waivers, stressing the importance of fiscal responsibility and addressing the needs of ordinary Ghanaians.

"What can $350 million do? It can fund the Women’s Development Bank, provide no admission fees for first-year university students, and re-equip hospitals—something Ghana hasn’t done in over a decade,” he stated.