Ghana's Parliament has given its approval to the government's 2023 budget and economic plan.
Despite low numbers of lawmakers on both the Majority and Minority sides of the budget discussion, the Majority was able to add enough to their side just in time to pass the budget statement.
Minority Leader Haruna Iddrisu highlighted the group's hesitation to proceed with the budget approval during a debate on the floor of Parliament.
"Mr. Speaker, if I say that our nation is in a serious state of crisis, and President Akufo-Addo himself has acknowledged that fact, what he omitted to add is that fact that he was also responsible for driving the nation into this economic disaster. The leader of the country must muster the confidence to take full responsibility.
"The Minister of Finance is introducing 23 tax measures and a 2.5% VAT rate in this budget (increase). The minority NDC group would resolutely oppose and battle the implementation of these extra taxes, he declared.
While acknowledging that the country is not in a good position, the Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, responded to the Minority Leader's point by saying that the money earned by the VAT will go a long way toward addressing the issue.
"My coworker mentioned contesting the 2.5% VAT rate. However, as is common knowledge, the economy is not doing well, therefore the 2.5% pay increase is mostly for the building of new roads. If you do not want your road built, let the government know.
While acknowledging that the country is not in a good position, the Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, responded to the Minority Leader's point by saying that the money earned by the VAT will go a long way toward addressing the issue.
"My coworker mentioned contesting the 2.5% VAT rate. However, as is common knowledge, the economy is not doing well, therefore the 2.5% pay increase is mostly for the building of new roads. Tell us if you do not want your road to be built, he said.
Following this discussion, the budget and economic policy statement delivered by the finance minister on November 24 was brought up by Speaker of the House Alban Bagbin.
Kweku Asante, Parliamentary Correspondent for JoyNews, reportedly claimed that the Speaker had to ask the question twice before concluding that the "ayes" had it.
He said that as a result, the 2023 budget and Economic Policy Statement were approved.
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Ghana's Parliament has given its approval to the government's 2023 budget and economic plan.
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