Former Finance Minister and Member of Parliament for Karaga, Dr Mohammed Amin Adam, has accused the government of introducing new taxes while simultaneously claiming credit for abolishing what it describes as nuisance taxes.
Speaking during parliamentary debate on Ghana’s exit from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme, Dr Amin Adam challenged assertions by the Finance Minister that the government had reduced the tax burden on Ghanaians.
“I am very surprised that the Majority side of this House doesn’t know new taxes were introduced,” he said.
The former Finance Minister cited a number of levies and tax measures which he argued had either been introduced or extended under the current administration.
Among them was the Energy Sector Levy, popularly referred to as the Dumsor Levy.
“I like to mention just some of them, the popular Dumsor Levy (D-Levy),” he stated.
Dr Amin Adam also criticised the extension of taxes that were originally expected to expire.
“The Growth and Sustainability Levy was supposed to have ended but you renewed it by extending the sunset clause. The Special Import Levy was supposed to have ended last year but you again extended the sunset clause,” he said.
He further alleged that the government had introduced a new 15 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT) on life insurance services.
“So if you don’t know that you have brought another 15% VAT under life insurance, so I’m telling that you have introduced new taxes,” he argued.
According to Dr Amin Adam, the Finance Minister failed to acknowledge these measures while highlighting the removal of selected taxes.
“I am surprised that the Finance Minister mentioned some taxes as nuisance taxes but failed to mention the new taxes you guys have introduced,” he said.
The Karaga MP also pointed to revenue generated through fees and charges approved by Parliament, arguing that these measures amounted to an additional burden on taxpayers.
“The government collected 20 million taxes from Ghanaians under fees and charges. Have you forgotten that you brought them to be approved for you?” he asked.
Dr Amin Adam maintained that government must be transparent with citizens about the full scope of tax measures implemented since assuming office, particularly as discussions continue over the country’s economic recovery and post-IMF fiscal strategy.
