Akufo-Addo-Bawumia's gov't has moved Ghana from ‘taxation to robbery’ – Domelevo

Former Auditor-General Daniel Yaw Domelevo has sharply criticized the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia administration for failing to fulfill its promise of transitioning Ghana's economy from one reliant on taxes to a production-driven model.

Speaking at a public forum on “Curbing Illicit Financial Flows Through Accountable Governance: The Role of Media,” Domelevo alleged that government policies have led to what he described as a shift from “taxation to robbery.”

He pointed to the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP) as a prime example, arguing that it unfairly burdens citizens and erodes trust in government financial commitments.

"Recently, I remarked that we were promised this country is moving from taxation to production, but we have moved from taxation to robbery. Now the government is aiming at any money in your pocket—you put your savings there, and the government is aiming at it,” he stated.

Domelevo also expressed concerns about Treasury bills, a widely used investment tool for Ghanaians, warning that they could face similar threats under current policies.

“Even when you are paying government, you will pay tax, and as if it is not enough. What pains me the most is after all this, the use to which they put the money. That is my biggest challenge,” he said.

His remarks add to ongoing public discourse surrounding Ghana’s economic policies, debt management, and financial transparency. Domelevo emphasized the need for stronger governance and accountability measures to tackle illicit financial flows and restore public trust.