Former President John Dramani Mahama, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for the upcoming 2024 general elections has expressed concern over the economic policies of the current government and urged caution in the utilization of the $600 million released by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to Ghana.
The former President reacting to the release of $600 million to the Ghanaian government by the International Monetary Fund which is anticipated to provide relief to the struggling nation, strongly contended that the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia administration and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) need to reconsider certain decisions that may further burden the Ghanaian populace.
Drawing attention to alleged improprieties at the Bank of Ghana, Mr Mahama accused the Governor of the Central Bank, Dr Ernest Addison of illegally printing billions of cedis to finance the budget of the current administration without recourse to Parliament and the laws of the country.
The former President in his statement thus urged the National Democratic Congress minority in parliament to maintain strict oversight on both the government’s actions and the central bank to ensure transparency and accountability in the management of the county’s finances, particularly ahead of the 2024 general elections.
“Before that, I again urge the outgoing NPP government to be cautious, responsible and judicious in utilising the IMF $600 million and other funds that may be made available to Ghana from the World Bank and other development partners”.
John Dramani Mahama
Again, the National Democratic Congress flagbearer and leader raised deep concerns about the implementation of a Value-Added Tax (VAT) on electricity consumption by the governing New Patriotic Party administration under President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
According to former President Mahama, the tax policy if implemented would result in a nearly 21% increase in tariffs, subsequently worsening the already challenging living conditions for Ghanaians.
Mr Mahama also argued that such an increase in electricity tariff would have a cascading effect on the prices of goods, services, and transportation fares in the country.
Mahama Backs Organized Labour Calls For Government To Rescinds VAT Imposition On Electricity
Furthermore, former President John Dramani Mahama reechoing the sentiments of organized labor called on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and the New Patriotic Party administration to reverse its decision to impose Value-Added Tax (VAT) on electricity consumption.
The flagbearer for the National Democratic Congress for the 2024 general elections rather urged President Akufo-Addo and the New Patriotic Party administration to adopt policies that would alleviate the financial strain on Ghanaians.
On the other hand, former President John Dramani Mahama expressed confidence in the National Democratic Congress ability to address Ghana’s economic challenges and provide substantial relief to its citizens when elected into power in 2025.
Mr Mahama emphasized on his vision which is centered on job creation through his proposed 24-hour economy policy and other pragmatic initiatives.
As part of his commitment to engaging with the public, the National Democratic Congress flagbearer announced his plans to embark on the eighth leg of his #BuildingGhanaTour, focusing on the Ashanti Region.
According to Mr Mahama, he intends to interact with the people, listen to their concerns, and share his vision for building the Ghana, every citizen aspire to see during his tour in the Ashanti Region.
“Over the next three days, I will be in the Ashanti Region to interact and listen on the eighth leg of my #BuildingGhanaTour”
John Dramani Mahama
The former president concluded his statement by reiterating his dedication to keeping the public informed about his vision and the initiatives aimed at creating well-paying jobs for Ghanaians.
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