Recalling parliament to give tax exemption is not important – Minority Leader fumes

Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, a leader of the minority, has bemoaned the state of Ghana’s economy and the high cost of living. Recalling parliament to provide tax exemptions, he said, is not crucial.

He claims that the recall was brought about by the NPP majority in Parliament in order to accelerate and reallocate tax advantages to their small businesses, and that there are just 95 days left until the 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections.

“Mr Speaker let me state without any equivocation that the NDC minority has not changed our position on these tax exemptions. We have always maintained that these tax exemptions are not in the interest of the ordinary Ghanaian”

“The minority’s position is and still remains that these tax exemptions should be converted into tax credits and otherwise linked equity share as stipulated in the tax exemptions Acts”.

Dr. Forson went on to say that the minority would not support giving three hundred and fifty million dollars to companies in a way that is opaque and nontransparent.

“Rt. Hon speaker,giving away tax exemptions in excess of three hundred and fifty million is not an urgent issue that should warrant a recall, Ghana’s economy is bleeding and cost of living is high and the Ghanaian can simply not make ends meet” Dr Forson bemoaned.

Speaker of the House of Parliament Alban Bagbin criticized the House Majority’s decision to request an emergency recall, calling it a regretful and deceitful move.

Invoking Article 112(3) of the Constitution, the Majority has requested a meeting of Parliament due to outstanding significant issues that need legislative action.

However, Speaker Bagbin argued during his opening remarks that it was possible that the problems that led to the emergency recall had been settled before the House’s July break.

“The decision to adjourn the house on 30th June 2024 was not unilateral. This date was made by the parliamentary calendar for the 4th Session of the Eight Parliament which called for an adjournment at the end of July” he said.

The Speaker clarified that he had made it a point to remind the leaders of the approaching date after the “scheduled date was discussed,” and he said that parliamentary official documents would support his claims.

Mr. Bagbin, who had reservations about the recall, agreed to a two-day session to address the issues brought up.

Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin said that his decision to start a recall was “well-grounded in good faith” and he stood by it.

Source: Ghanatodayonline.com