Minority Leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has accused the Majority of recalling Parliament to expedite tax exemptions that would benefit favoured businesses.
He argued that the exemptions, amounting to over $350 million, do not warrant the urgency of recalling Parliament.
“This recall comes just 95 days before the 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections. It has been initiated by the NPP majority to hasten tax breaks for their crony businesses,” he asserted.
Addressing the floor on September 3, Dr. Ato Forson emphasized that National Democratic Congress (NDC) MPs oppose these tax exemptions, contending that they are not in the best interest of ordinary Ghanaians.
He proposed that, these exemptions be converted into tax credits or linked to equity shares, as outlined in the Tax Exemption Act.
“We will not endorse the giveaway of over $350 million to crony businesses in an opaque and untransparent manner,” he insisted.
In response, Majority Leader Afenyo-Markin dismissed Dr Forson’s accusations as baseless and lacking evidence.
He argued that, the Minority Leader’s remarks could deter investors and create uncertainty in the business environment, negatively impacting the country.
He urged the Minority to reconsider and support the tax exemptions.
“I encourage the Minority to back the tax exemptions program. The finance committee has been diligently scrutinizing these applications during the recess, and I am aware that their efforts have significantly reduced the figures.”
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Source: Adomonline
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