Cut it, your promises are becoming too many — Kwesi Pratt slams Bawumia on tax amnesty promise

Renowned journalist Kwesi Pratt Jnr. has criticised the Vice President and New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, over his promises to the business community regarding tax reforms.

Dr. Bawumia pledged to implement a flat tax system and tax amnesty to provide relief to business owners if elected as President.

His remarks came during a meeting with members of the Ghana Chamber of Commerce and Industry, where he criticised the current tax regime as burdensome and harassment of business owners by some Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) staff.

However, Dr. Bawumia's promises drew criticism from GRA staff, who viewed his comments as undermining their efforts and hard work in revenue collection.

In reaction to these developments, Kwesi Pratt, speaking on the "Kokrokoo" morning show on Peace FM urges Bawumia to take action while in government rather than making promises.

"Is he not the Vice President? You are in government, what are you doing now?" he quizzes.

He pointed out that Dr. Bawumia, as the leader of the Economic Management Team and a member of the cabinet, has the power to initiate and advocate for policy changes.

Pratt raised concerns about whether Dr. Bawumia had presented his proposed tax reforms, including the cancellation of the controversial E-Levy, during cabinet meetings and whether he had persuaded his colleagues to implement these changes.

He stated, “If you can’t persuade your own colleagues to do what is right, there is a problem.”

Mr Pratt urges Dr. Bawumia to focus on delivering tangible results rather than making lofty promises.

“Cut down on the promises because you can do it now. Your promises are becoming too many,” Mr Pratt stressed.