As Ghana awaits the presentation of the 2025 budget by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson on Tuesday, March 11, tensions are already rising within the political landscape.
Member of Parliament for Ofoase/Ayirebi, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has emphasized the need for government transparency, warning against any attempt to manipulate economic data.
Speaking on ABC News GH, he stated, “We are all expecting that the government will be truthful about the economic situation of the country.”
He accused the administration of attempting to paint an overly negative picture of the economy they inherited, urging them instead to “stay true to the economic facts.”
Oppong Nkrumah highlighted key fiscal measures that both political parties had previously agreed upon before the elections, stressing that they must now be implemented.
“Some taxes need to go, we have to ensure that debt stock is reduced, and we have to ensure that our expenditure is constrained,” he insisted.
He also raised concerns about excessive government spending, noting, “If I have 120 ministers and it costs GHC100 million to run the government machinery, but now we have 80 ministers and it costs GHC120 million, you can’t argue that you have a smaller government.”
The Minority has expressed skepticism over potential hidden tax hikes following proposed tax cuts.
“Yes, take off the taxes, but don’t go through the backdoor to increase or reimpose other taxes,” Oppong Nkrumah cautioned.
He further advised the government to improve efficiency in tax administration rather than resorting to stealthy tax increments. With the budget set to become the economic framework for 2025, he warned that his caucus will be critical in scrutinizing the proposals.
“We will be constructive,” he declared, signaling potential resistance if the budget does not align with fiscal discipline and economic prudence.
