Finance minister presents 2020 budget today

Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta is to appear before parliament today, November 13 to present the 2020 budget statement and financial policy. Expectations are high ahead of the presentation as many are looking forward to government expenditure as Ghana heads to the polls in December. Election years are often characterized by excessive expenditure from government, but many are hopeful the Akufo-Addo-led government will be circumspect in using public funds as the nation goes to the polls in 2020. This is because the president in his inaugural speech promised to protect the public purse and has in recent times said his government will not fall to the temptation of overspending in an election year while speaking at the Africa Investment Forum in South Africa. The issue of taxes will also be high on the agenda as some analysts have raised concerns with some of the taxes introduced by government as well as some tax exemptions made. Ghanaians are hopeful there will be some news regarding the increment in the Communication Service Tax from 6% to 9% as was contained in the 2019 mid-year budget review which sparked a lot of controversy as many Ghanaians kicked against the increment. Mr. Ofori-Atta is expected to present updates and further plans for some of government’s flagship programs such as the Free SHS program, 1-District-1Factory amongst many others. Source: 3news.com|Ghana  ]]>