The Member of Parliament for Afigya Kwabre North, Collins Adomako Mensah says the passage and implementation of the revenue bill will aid the government in salvaging the country from its present predicament.
The Revenue Bill is on the table of Parliament awaiting approval to help the government complete processes to secure about $3 billion from the International Monetary Fund.
The revenue bill includes the Income tax amendment bill, exercise duty amendment bill, and growth and sustainability amendment bill. It is expected to generate approximately GH¢4 billion per year to supplement domestic revenue.
Speaking on Good Morning Ghana on Metro TV on 29th March 2023, Mr. Adomako Mensah indicated that Ghanaians must pay more taxes considering where it falls in terms of tax to GDP, stating that Ghana is part of the countries that record low income in the sub-regions.
“If you look at the data, also it is quite clear that in terms of our tax to GDP, I think we are one of the lowest within the sub-region. And so, any effort to increase that percentage is welcomed. I think we should all be open and candid about it that our tax to GDP on terms of percentage-wise within the sub-region is quite low,” he opined.
The Afigya Kwabre North MP vehemently disagreed with Minority leader, Cassiel Ato Forson that a chunk of revenues collected in the country goes into consumption.
“I think that we should move beyond just consumption and look at the relevance of that consumption expenditure.”
Buttressing his assertion, Mr. Adomako Mensah suggested that spending monies on important avenues like Covid and road construction are important expenditures needed to be tackled.
Meanwhile, the NPP lawmaker wants Ghanaians to embrace the revenue bill to secure the deal between Ghana and the IMF, adding that Ghana seems to be making headway in its negotiation with the IMF.
On his part, seasoned journalist, Kwesi Pratt Jnr. who was the co-panelist believes that these are empty promises that are geared towards deceiving Ghanaians over securing an IMF bailout.
By Leonora Enyonam Annoh | Metrotvonline.com | Ghana
