The Minority in Parliament has launched a robust critique against Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), in response to his recent policy address outlining plans for the 2024 General Elections.
In a public address on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, Dr Bawumia proposed the abolition of specific taxes, including the contentious e-levy, emission levy, and bet taxes. Additionally, he outlined intentions to govern with 50 Ministers and implement a flat tax regime, among other interventions.
However, the Minority caucus has expressed scepticism, asserting that the Vice President lacks a coherent vision for the country.
During a caucus meeting, the Minority Leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, strongly opposed Dr. Bawumia's speech, contending that the Vice President already possesses the authority to remove taxes but has failed to do so.
Dr Forson argued that the proposed tax cuts were already articulated by the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, making Dr Bawumia's stance appear as mere replication.
He emphasized, “It should be noted that our vice president currently has the power to remove any taxes if he so wishes. This is obviously for the simple reason that our vice president is the chairman of the Economic Management Team. He chairs the deliberation of all economic policies at his office. Aside from that, he is also a member of the Akufo-Addo cabinet, In fact, he is the second commander-In-Chief in the Akufo-Addo's cabinet.”
Meanwhile, Dr Rashid Pelpuo, the Member of Parliament for Wa Central, expressed astonishment at the timing and content of Dr Bawumia's promises, remarking, “I was more shocked to find that key promises he made about taxes were done because he [claims] he was an adviser or is an adviser.”
