Parliament has adopted modifications to the 2022 budget statement and economic policy presented by Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta.
The Minister in a letter to parliament made some concessions such as a 10 million cedis provision for the Keta sea defence project, revision of Aker Energy, AGM Petroleum GNPC deal, withdrawal of Agyapa from the budget among others.
The Minister, however, failed to adjust the 1.75% E-levy in spite of agitations from the public and the minority.
Commenting on the modifications after they were laid on the floor, Minority Leader Haruna Iddrisu stated his side cannot and will not support the levy and will shoot it down anytime it surfaces in the budget.
Bawku Central MP, Mahama Ayariga questioned the absence of Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta who according to him should have moved a separate motion to amend the one moved during the presentation of the budget.
The demand was however rejected by Interior Minister and Nandom MP, Ambrose Dery with First Deputy Speaker Joseph Osei-Owusu explaining provisions were made for the modifications during the approval of the budget.
Deputy Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin on his part disclosed government will still dialogue and consult on the E-Levy.
Elembelle MP Emmanuel Kofi Armah Buah cautioned the house has 10 more days to sit and thus Ghanaians should blame the government and the Majority if Parliament fails to approve the budget estimates and pass the appropriation bill.
The former Energy Minister singled out the Finance Minister for a mention arguing he’s not shown enough seriousness with the work of parliament in approving the budget.
Source: Kasapafmonline.com/Ibrahim Alhassan
