A heated debate has erupted in Ghana’s Parliament, with the Minority accusing the government of presenting inaccurate data in the recent budget statement. According to Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, the immediate past Finance Minister, the government has “erroneously churned out wrong data” to tarnish the image of the previous NPP administration.
Dr. Adam pointed out that the government’s claim of a fiscal deficit of 7.6% of GDP and a primary deficit of 3.6% of GDP is misleading. He argued that an economy with strong revenue performance and expenditure management, as stated in the budget, cannot produce such high fiscal deficits.
The Minority has also taken issue with the government’s assertion that the country has breached the International Monetary Fund (IMF) program. Dr. Adam described this claim as untrue, noting that the IMF has not yet conducted a review of the program’s implementation.
Furthermore, Dr. Adam questioned the government’s projections for foreign financing, including $720 million from the IMF and $600 million from the World Bank. He warned that if Ghana fails to meet the IMF’s requirements, it risks losing access to these funds.
The controversy has also extended to the issue of betting tax, with Dr. Adam clarifying that his previous statement on the matter was misinterpreted. He emphasized that the NDC’s manifesto promised to scrap the 10% levy on bet winnings, which is distinct from taxes on other forms of lotteries.
The Minority’s accusations have sparked a heated debate in Parliament, with the government facing scrutiny over its handling of the economy and its commitment to transparency.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
