Bole Bamboi MP Yusif Suleman says the country’s current constitutional arrangement makes it difficult for the government to add a 15% VAT on electricity.
According to him, the 2024 budget presented by the Akufo-Addo-led administration is also not helping Ghanaians.
Speaking on JoyNews’ AM Show on February 7, he highlighted some specific tax measures within the approved budget which are not supported by the Minority in Parliament.
“It will be difficult for them to do away with this 15% on electricity,” he added.
The Vice Chairman of the Muslim Caucus in Parliament explained that the imposition of tax on electricity began during former President John Mahama’s tenure as part of the VAT policy.
However, in 2013, Mr Mahama chose not to implement it, citing concerns about increased hardship for Ghanaians.
Mr Sulemana questioned why the current government is implementing it now while describing the decision as insensitive.
“So nobody should compare Mahama’s idea of putting it there and not implementing it while this current government is implementing it now under these hardship conditions.“
He alleged that the government needs funds ahead of the 2024 elections, hence the imposition of the 15% tax on electricity.
Again, the MP described the NDC as a credible party led by trustworthy individuals who strongly believe in the future of Ghanaians.
He assured that should the party return to power after the polls, former President Mahama will take action to address every concern.
“Ghanaians should believe in NDC,” he added.
Source: myjoyonline.com / Mavis Sekyibea Addo
