The Minority caucus in Parliament has issued a strong warning against any government attempts to introduce new taxes or increase existing ones, arguing that such measures would only exacerbate the financial burden on Ghanaians.
Addressing a press conference on Monday, March 3, former Finance Minister Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam criticized the government’s ambitious tax revenue target of GH¢200 billion for the year, calling it unrealistic in the face of Ghana’s struggling economy.
He accused the government of hypocrisy, reminding them of their past criticism of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration for excessive taxation.
“This government accused us of overtaxing the people of Ghana because, by the end of 2024, the NPP administration collected GH¢152.9 billion, which was a 17% tax-to-GDP ratio, up from President Mahama’s 13% in 2016. How do you then turn around to expect to collect GH¢200 billion in a broken economy?” he questioned.
Dr. Amin Adam further warned that increased taxation would stifle economic growth, discourage private sector investment, and deepen the financial struggles of ordinary citizens.
Instead of introducing new levies, he urged the government to focus on efficient revenue collection and prudent expenditure management.
Assuring Ghanaians of the Minority’s unwavering opposition to excessive taxation, he declared, “We, the mighty minority, will join the people of Ghana to resist any attempt to smuggle in new taxes or increase existing taxes. We owe it a duty to hold this government accountable and protect the livelihoods of our citizens.”
