The Upper East Regional Communications Officer for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has expressed disappointment over several aspects of the budget.
He said ‘nuisance levies,’ such as the COVID levy and E-levy, among others which he anticipated would be removed, were left unattended to. Mr. Salifu also criticized the government’s approach to economic management, citing increases in fuel prices and the overall cost of living as negative consequences.
“The fact that day in and day out, a gallon of petrol that used to be 15/14 cedis under President Mahama has now turned into a liter of petrol under your regime. We thought the midyear budget would have addressed that,” he remarked, reflecting broader frustrations over economic policies.
He expressed disappointment that the midyear budget did not provide relief measures for citizens grappling with high inflation and escalating living costs. Mr. Salifu pointed out that rather than addressing these pressing issues, the Minister only highlighted an increase in the national debt, further fueling concerns among the populace.
Mr. Salifu also called on the government to reconsider its taxation policies, suggesting that adjustments could alleviate the financial burden on the public. He specifically mentioned reducing components of the energy sector levy and addressing the exchange rate to potentially lower fuel prices. “If you people say you can’t reduce the taxes, it’s not true. The energy sector levy, which is part of the fuel price buildup and our components, you have come to introduce it. Reduce it. Fuel will reduce.”
Source: A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Gifty Eyram Kudiabor|Ghana
