By: Hamza Lansah Lolly/Baba Mohammed Issahaq
Former Finance Minister and Member of Parliament for Karaga, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, has delivered a pointed critique of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), accusing them of using tax cuts as a political smokescreen while burdening Ghanaians through backdoor levies.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament, Dr. Amin Adam said the much-celebrated abolition of some taxes by the NDC does not measure up to the revenue being generated through the recently introduced 1-cedi Daily Levy (D-Levy).
“Mr. Speaker, not long ago they were here, celebrating the abolition of taxes,” he said. “But I’m sorry to say, all the taxes they abolished did not bring us five billion cedis.”
He argued that while the NDC claimed to provide financial relief by scrapping selected taxes, the government’s parallel introduction of the D-Levy, along with adjustments in petroleum levies and electricity tariffs, is projected to rake in over GH₵5.7 billion, far exceeding the total fiscal impact of the abolished taxes.
“This government, in abolishing taxes, was giving you something with their left hand, only to take it back with their right,” he said. “And not just what was in your hand but what was in your pocket too.”
Dr. Amin’s comments come amid widespread public concerns about the cost of living, with many Ghanaians already grappling with increased utility bills. The D-Levy, introduced to help offset mounting energy sector debts, has faced criticism from both opposition lawmakers and civil society groups.
Nonetheless, government officials defend the move, arguing it is a necessary step to restore financial stability in the energy sector and ensure a consistent power supply across the country.
