James Klutse Avedzi, a member of parliament (MP) for Ketu North, has counseled newly nominated ministers to think twice before beginning new initiatives after receiving approval to restart work.
He claims that because they don’t have much time on their hands, it would be quite challenging for them to take on any additional tasks.
“It will add some level of changes because, as I said earlier, ministers who have now come on board or have been given a new portfolio will now come with new ideas, but you know it takes some time for the new ideas that they will bring on board to manifest,” he said in a February 14 JoyNews interview.
“First of all they also need time to study the new ministries, their new portfolio and then see what they can do. It’s nine months to the election so they now coming on board by the time they settle to study their ministries and see the challenges that the ministry has, it will be getting to the election, and the campaign will become heated so definitely they will not be able to implement any policy.
“Maybe with the existing policies, they might continue to implement those policies but to bring on board a new policy within this period, I doubt it,” he added.
Speaking of the Finance Ministry, he counseled the new nominee to devote sufficient time to thoroughly review the ministry in order to comprehend all tax regulations. He claimed that rather than burdening the few people who pay taxes, this will assist the minister in coming up with creative ways to widen the tax gap.
“Examine those that are rescindable or withdrawable. That’s what I’ll do, and I’ll also consider how I may reach the remaining few. How can we make it bigger? You are aware that taxes are designed in a way that increases the burden placed on those who are already paying them if you keep imposing taxes on them.”
The Ketu North MP stated once more that because this is an election year, the government may exert pressure on the newly appointed Finance Minister to release funds for “election projects.” However, Mr. Avedzi emphasized that the new Finance Minister must maintain his position or else he will spend more than the government allows.
