The Minority in Parliament is lamenting the unfair attacks they have suffered after the approval of the policy principle statement of the 2023 Budget on Tuesday.
Although this does not mean an approval of the entire budget and the taxes introduced, a section of the public has criticised the NDC Minority for siding with the government to pass what they have described as an ‘austere budget’.
However, the Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu says the public should have faith in their side’s resolve to protect the public interest.
He explained that the approved section of the 2023 Budget was the policy principle aspect, adding that the part relating to taxes will not be approved.
“Let me state with emphasis that the approval process of the 2023 Budget is not over yet and the public should have faith and trust in the Minority in exacting accountability and in standing strong with them,” he said.
This, according to him is because the Minority is still against the taxes introduced in the 2023 Budget.
“We are not for the two and a half per cent VAT increase, we are not for the debt exchange restructuring because it is not contractual law and obligations,” he insisted.
Mr. Iddrisu noted that the consequences of not approving the policy principles of the 2023 Budget would be dire hence the reason the Minority consented.
On his part, Ranking Member on Parliament’s Finance Committee, Dr. Ato Forson said Parliament did not approve the 2023 Budget.
“Yesterday’s approval of the budget principle does not constitute approval of the budget so for the record, the budget has not been approved yet,” he stated.
He explained the processes involved in the approval of the 2023 Budget. According to him, Parliament first and foremost has to debate the principles of the budget and consider its approval.
He further stated that after debating on the principles, the House “got it approved.”
He, however, reiterated that two tax measures – 2.5 %VAT rate and E-levy tax exemptions out of 23 tax measures will not be supported.
