The introduction of a midnight kalabule tax by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) is a stark departure from their previous commitment to refrain from introducing new taxes. This move, driven by their majority in Parliament, raises concerns about the erosion of fiscal responsibility and the potential for increased taxation burden on citizens.
Despite the lack of a substantial wage increase for workers, the insensitive National Democratic Congress (NDC) government has imposed a draconian and objectionable tax on fuel. This decision comes after a significant increase in electricity tariffs by a substantial 14.7%.
The current government’s policies are causing significant economic hardship for citizens. The price of cement has increased substantially, reaching approximately 130 Cedis per bag, a substantial rise from its initial price of 90 Cedis under the previous NPP government
How would the Ghanaian respond to this situation?
When the global market price of petroleum reached $85, the Akuffo-Addo government was selling it at 13.2 Cedis and left office on that valuation.
Currently, the price of petrol is $60 per barrel. This implies that the actual selling price should be 9 Cedis instead of the prevailing price of 12 Cedis being sold at the pumps.
It is also a fact that the energy sector debt was compounded by the same NDC government from 2015 when signed the notorious take or pay contracts with the IPPs which pegged our debt at $2.5 billion as at 2016. The NPP successfully managed this debt and left it at $3.1 billion , an addition of only $600 million.
So, Where from this incompetence by the NDC government ?
The Coalition of Political Parties (COPP) will soon be conducting a street protest in Kumasi to express its opposition tax that was passed without consultation with the stakeholders which potentially would exacerbate existing economic hardships and negatively impact the livelihoods of citizens.
- Abubakari Yakubu
( Baba Amando)
Communications Officer
Sunyani East Constituency
