A lecturer and tax consultant at Bolgatanga Technical University, Awineyesema Abiire, has appealed to the Minister of Finance to initiate urgent reforms to ease the tax burden on ordinary Ghanaians.
In an open letter copied to stakeholders, Mr. Abiire commended the minister and his “unimpeachable team” for stabilizing the economy within a relatively short period, noting that the March 2025 Budget Statement had begun to yield visible results.
He referenced praise from citizens and opposition leaders alike as evidence of effective economic management, reinforcing his long-held view that professional accountants are well positioned to steer Ghana’s economy.
However, Mr. Abiire expressed deep concern about the current tax regime, arguing that it disproportionately targets individual taxpayers and fails to align with the broader developmental purpose of taxation.
He explained that historically, taxation was designed not only to mobilize revenue but also to redistribute income, promote savings and investment, discourage harmful consumption, and shield citizens from disruptive global practices.
Citing Matthew 17:24–26, he said taxation should empower citizens to build wealth and create sustainable jobs rather than suppress economic progress. He criticized successive governments for mismanaging tax revenue while imposing policies he described as exploitative.
Mr. Abiire urged the minister to uphold the government’s “Reset Agenda” by reviewing the Income Tax (Amendment) (No. 2) Act, 2023 (Act 1111), arguing that the current First Schedule under Act 896 contradicts the administration’s promise of people-centered economic governance.
He recalled that during a period when the current minister served as deputy minister, the highest tax bracket was 25% — a structure he said encouraged savings, investment, job creation, and wealth building.
To strengthen revenue management, he recommended shifting from a royalty regime to production-sharing arrangements in mining and petroleum, tightening audit controls to curb illicit financial flows, and combating transfer pricing.
Mr. Abiire concluded by expressing hope that the minister’s tenure would continue to inspire “hope, progress, and a fresh breath of nationalism.”
Source: a1radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Moses Apiah|Bolgatanga
