Dr. Samuel Worlanyo Mensah, an economist and former running mate for the APC in the 2024 general elections, has commended the Finance Minister-designate, Dr. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, describing him as “incorruptible” and well-equipped for the role, particularly due to his prior experience as Deputy Finance Minister.
“Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson is someone who is incorruptible. I believe that he has the competence,” Dr. Mensah stated during an interview on A1 Radio.
While lauding Dr. Forson’s qualifications, Dr. Mensah expressed reservations about some of the comments made by the minister-designate during his vetting. Specifically, he criticized Dr. Forson’s remarks regarding Ghana’s potential return to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Dr. Mensah suggested that the statements may have lacked clarity due to Dr. Forson not yet being in the official role of Finance Minister.
Dr. Mensah also took issue with the National Democratic Congress’s (NDC) proposal to scrap the e-levy, arguing that it remains a vital source of revenue for the country. He noted that while the e-levy is unpopular among Ghanaians, it currently generates “appreciable” revenue, particularly as alternative revenue-generating mechanisms are not yet fully developed.
“If you will be going to the IMF again, then why are you sounding the alarm that you’ll scrap the e-levy?” Dr. Mensah asked. “We don’t have alternatives in generating revenue yet, so why are you scrapping the one that is already giving us some appreciable level of revenue?”
Dr. Mensah emphasized that public acceptance of the e-levy would likely improve if Ghanaians were assured that the funds were being used to directly benefit the nation. He also suggested retaining certain taxes, such as the betting tax and COVID-19 tax, as they contribute to economic recovery.
He urged Dr. Forson to adopt a balanced and pragmatic approach to fiscal challenges, recognizing the political implications of such decisions while working toward sustainable solutions for Ghana’s economy.
Source: A1Radioonline.com | 101.1MHz | Gifty Eyram Kudiabor | Ghana
