Member of Parliament for Bolga Central, Isaac Adongo, has said that the Minority is resisting the approval of the 2024 budget because the document in its current form, will not benefit Ghanaians.
He said that they are against the numerous taxes that have been introduced in the budget.
“We’re simply saying the budget, as they have presented, will not inure to the benefit of the people of Ghana and as a result, we’re opposed to it. We disagree with the raft of tax measures that will impose hardship, is it difficult to ask for?” He said on Hot Issues with Keminni Amanor on TV3 Sunday, December 3.
The Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin directed the business committee to reschedule the headcount for the approval of the 2024 budget to next week.
A final decision will be taken on the budget during that session.
In Parliament on Thursday, November 30, the Speaker indicated that the matter was not up for debate.
“We don’t have to debate this matter. It is a matter of record and I direct that the business committee should reschedule the issue for next week for us to finally take a decision on the budget.
“The budget statement and economic policy of the government for the year 2024 is still before the House and so the business committee will reschedule it for next week,” he said.
Parliament could not approve the budget on Wednesday, November 29 after the Majority side of the House boycotted proceedings, making it the second time they are walking out on their own budget after they first did so on the 2022 budget statement which introduced the e-levy.
They disagreed with the way Mr Bagbin was conducting the business. They accused the Speaker of delaying proceedings in order for the Minority to have their full numbers in the House.
“Sam George is not here, Zanetor is not here, Mahama Ayariga, is not here so five of their members are not here. All the speaker is doing is to delay time for their members to come,” Majority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu told journalists after they walked out.
The Speaker had to suspend sitting.
Ningo-Prampram Lawmaker Samuel Nartey George, however, rubbished the claim that he was not in Parliament.
The Minority Leader Dr Cassiel Ato Forson accused the New Patriotic Party (NPP) of lacking the numbers to approve the 2024 budget statement.
Addressing the press, Dr Ato Forson said “The NPP does not have the numbers to approve their own budget, sensing defeat they decided to walk out. The NDC MPs were ready to vote against the budget.
“Our position is that we can allow the budget to go through in its current form, because the ordinary Ghanaian will suffer. John Kumah is not here, Kennedy Agyapong is not here and sensing defeat they walked out, we will not stop, we will do what we have to do. The Budget has not been approved.”
Dr Cassiel Ato Forson subsequently said the government is imposing 20% tax on “akpeteshie”, an indication that they have run out of ideas.
In a statement, Dr Forson said petrol and diesel vehicle owners should also expect to pay a new annual tax of GHS100 per vehicle on all petrol and diesel cars (internal combustion engine vehicles).
This tax will be imposed on all ‘trotros’, ‘aboboyaas’, ‘okadas’, taxis, commercial buses, trucks, ambulances, construction and heavy duty vehicles, water tankers, private cars, he said.
He added, once your vehicle is powered by petrol or diesel, the government is imposing this tax on you.
“According to the government, this policy is aimed at promoting the use of cleaner/more eco-friendly sources of energy (like electric vehicles). Companies will also pay GHS100 per tonne of carbon dioxide emission.
“This is according to a tax bill submitted by President Akufo-Addo and Vice President Bawumia.” the statement said.