The New Patriotic Party’s flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has come under heavy fire from the Minority in Parliament for his most recent policy speech in advance of the 2024 general elections.
On Wednesday, February 7, 2024, Dr. Bawumia gave a speech in which he laid out plans to do away with a number of taxes, such as the bet taxes, emission levy, and e-levy. Among other things, he suggested establishing a flat tax system and governing with 50 ministers.
The Minority Caucus, on the other hand, has voiced doubt, claiming that the Vice President doesn’t have a clear vision for the nation. Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the Minority Leader, angrily disagreed with Dr. Bawumia’s speech during a caucus meeting, arguing that the Vice President already had the power to eliminate taxes but had not done so.
Dr. Forson maintained that Dr. Bawumia’s position was merely a replication of what National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer John Dramani Mahama had already said regarding the proposed tax cuts.
“It should be noted that our vice president currently has the power to remove any taxes if he so wishes,” Dr. Forson emphasized. This is evidently due to the straightforward fact that our vice president chairs the Economic Management Team. In his office, he is the one who chairs the discussions on all economic policies. In addition, he is one of the cabinet members of Akufo-Addo; in fact, he is the second commander-in-chief of that group.
Therefore, our Vice President oversaw all of the economic policies that President Akufo-Addo has put into effect since 2017. It should be mentioned that he is currently the leader of the NPP, the party in power, which has further strengthened his position.
Dr. Rashid Pelpuo, the Wa Central member of parliament, has expressed surprise at the timing and substance of Dr. Bawumia’s remarks.
“I was more surprised to discover that important promises he made about taxes were fulfilled because he [claims] he was an adviser or is an adviser,” the speaker said.
