Tema West’s member of parliament for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Carlos Ahenkorah, has stated that the government has good reason to impose new taxes.
He claimed that Ghanaians must pay for the free electricity and water that were given to them during the height of COVID-19.
He defended the need for higher taxes and borrowing to cover the costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic while speaking on the floor of Parliament during the 2024 budget debate.
“When we went on lockdown and you enjoyed free water and electricity, where were you expecting the government to get the money from? Today we’re asking you to pay and you’re complaining? If you think the government is going to conjure money from somewhere else, no, we are going to pay ourselves,” he added.
Watch the video below;
Tema West MP, Carlos Kingsley Ahenkorah has defended the COVID levy explaining that "government doesn't do sika gari" hence the need to tax citizens to pay for the free water and electricity supplied citizens during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Mr. Ahenkorah also accused John Dramani Mahama, the former president, of stealing the concept of the 24-hour economy.
Carlos Ahenkorah claimed that the introduction of digital payment systems has allowed Ghanaians to pay for water and electricity bills whenever they choose.
“We’re already experiencing this 24-hour economy in Ghana due to the intelligence of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. Today even in some areas, you have to pay for water and electricity through some digitalized means. Is that not what a 24-hour economy is? You are only trying to find new ways to justify our digital economy and you’re using 24-hour economy,” he argued.
Former President John Dramani Mahama, in the meantime, has reiterated his resolve to carry out his suggested 24-hour economy policy, brushing off criticism from detractors and emphasizing its potential to increase employment and revitalise the Ghanaian economy.
Mr. Mahama stressed at a Bono East Region campaign rally that his idea of a 24-hour economy goes beyond just extending the hours that current companies are open for business.
