The Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has accused the Akufo-Addo government of mismanaging the country’s taxes.
He expressed concern that, Ghana would not see significant progress if the current administration continues to misappropriate funds through questionable procurement deals involving family and friends.
Mr. Ablakwa made these comments in response to Finance Minister Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam’s presentation of the Mid-Year Budget Review in Parliament on Tuesday.
Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Thursday, Mr. Ablakwa said the budget is a waste of time.
He argued that, the taxes collected are not leading to tangible improvements in the country’s development.
“All these taxes that are being collected—are we, as a country, performing at our optimum? This budget will be meaningless if we collect taxes and use them irresponsibly.
“Look at Malaysia, Singapore, the Asian Tigers we celebrate today—it took them only 30 years to transform. Rwanda, now far ahead of us, needed less than 30 years. Yet here we are, still stagnating 32 years into the 4th Republic,” he stated.
Mr. Ablakwa further criticized the government for imposing numerous taxes without clear benefits to the public.
“The people are being strangled with these burdensome taxes. We need guarantees that these funds will be used effectively,” he said. “It’s high time we amend our standing orders and ensure these ministers are held accountable.”
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