A Deputy Finance Minister, John Kumah thinks that NDC MPs have had enough say on the 2022 Budget, hence time for them to back down on its opposition to aspects of the 2022 budget.
Speaking on Citi TV, Mr. Kumah said it was time to focus on nation-building.
“In democracies all over the world, minorities have their say, but governments have their way. I think they have had enough say.”
“Let’s look at how we can allow the government to also go ahead of this budget implementation so that together we can build this country,” he added.”
Mr. Kumah further said the Minority will hurt Ghana’s democracy by sticking to an entrenched position.
“It shouldn’t be a fixed position of either I get this or nothing happens. When we do that, we will be weakening our own democracy and painting a different picture out there about the reasons why we are even in Parliament.”
Meanwhile, Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, has announced modifications to the contentious aspects of the 2022 budget following a backlash from Minority in Parliament and a section of Ghanaians.
The Minority, after rejecting the 2022 budget last week, urged the Minister to revise the economic policy document – singling out revisions to the e-Levy, among other things.
Speaking at a press briefing on Monday, December 6, 2021, the Minister announced his intention to dialogue with the Minority in Parliament and other stakeholders on the controversial e-Levy that will tax some electronic and mobile money transactions.
“Having regard to its serious fiscal implications will continue consultations with Minority Caucus in Parliament and any relevant stakeholders with the view to achieving consensus and reverting to the House in the shortest possible time,” he said.
On the 2022 budget’s failure to capture the plight of the victims of the Keta tidal wave disaster, the Finance Minister disclosed that at least GHS10 million will be allocated to complete the feasibility engineering studies for the coastal communities adversely affected by rising tides.
“We will broaden the scope of the study to consider a more comprehensive solution to protect the more than 540Km of coastline including the 147 km of the Keta to Prampram coastlines,” he stated.
He also said the relevant paragraphs in the Aker-GNPC deal will be amended to reflect the resolution of Parliament on July 6, 2021.
The 2022 budget has been approved by a one-sided Parliament of Majority MPs.
The Minority MPs say the budget contains problematic proposals that will burden the ordinary Ghanaian.