The Chief Executive Officer of the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme, Kofi Ofosu Nkansah, has reassured farmers that a future government under Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia will not impose a ‘smoke tax’ on agricultural activities.
His statement comes in response to claims made by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) regarding potential tax burdens that could affect farmers in the near future.
In a recent viral video, an NDC communicator was seen engaging cocoa farmers, warning them that a future Bawumia government intends to introduce a tax on burning unwanted farm materials.
However, Mr. Ofosu Nkansah refuted these claims on his Facebook page on Friday, October 11, calling them baseless propaganda.
He underscored the government’s unwavering commitment to supporting the agricultural sector and highlighted various initiatives aimed at improving farmers’ livelihoods nationwide.
Mr Nkansah emphasised that the Bawumia administration understands the essential role agriculture plays in Ghana’s economy and is dedicated to creating a conducive environment for farmers to succeed without imposing unnecessary financial strains.
Mr. Nkansah further outlined the government’s efforts to provide financial resources and support to farmers, ensuring their operations can continue unencumbered by additional taxes.
He urged farmers to remain optimistic about their future, asserting that a government led by Bawumia would genuinely prioritize their welfare.
The NEIP CEO encouraged them to focus on their agricultural endeavours and not be misled by political misinformation, assuring them that the government is firmly committed to aiding them in their mission to cultivate the land and sustain the nation.