The Ranking Member on Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has sharply criticized the outgoing government’s proposal to grant $350 million in tax waivers to 46 selected companies.
Ablakwa described the move as fiscally irresponsible, accusing the government of prioritizing cronies over the well-being of ordinary Ghanaians.
In an interview on Joy FM’s Newsnight on Monday, December 16, he questioned the rationale behind saddling the incoming administration with a substantial fiscal burden created by what he deemed unjustified tax waivers.
“They voted for change, rejecting state capture, where a few crony companies are favored with tax waivers. These waivers amount to a staggering $350 million. Why burden the incoming government with this huge fiscal deficit over COVID-related companies?” he asked.
The North Tongu MP also criticized the lack of transparency in the selection process for the companies benefiting from the waivers. He pointed out that granting tax waivers to well-connected firms contradicted the government’s earlier stance on the issue.
“In his first State of the Nation Address, President Akufo-Addo criticized tax waivers, calling them detrimental to the economy. So, what has changed? Why are we now focusing on rewarding the wealthy, rather than considering the needs of the general public?”
Ablakwa emphasized the need to redirect resources to initiatives that align with the priorities of the incoming administration, such as social interventions and infrastructure development.
He also called on Parliament to reject the tax waivers, stressing the importance of fiscal responsibility and focusing on the needs of ordinary Ghanaians.
“What can $350 million do? It could fund the Women’s Development Bank, eliminate admission fees for first-year university students, and re-equip hospitals—things Ghana hasn’t done in over a decade,” he concluded.
