Minority accuses Ato Forson of using urgency certificates to fast-track tax hikes
The Minority in Parliament has criticised Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson for what it describes as the repeated use of Certificates of Urgency to fast-track tax-related legislation through Parliament without sufficient scrutiny.
Deputy Ranking Member on Parliament's Energy Committee, Collins Adomako-Mensah, alleged that the Finance Minister has adopted a pattern of introducing tax amendments on the final sitting day before Parliament rises, limiting the opportunity for thorough debate and examination.
Speaking on Citi News Digest on Saturday, August 1, Mr Adomako-Mensah questioned both the timing and the procedure used to secure the latest amendment to the Energy Sector Levies framework.
“Since last year, anytime he’s bringing an amendment to increase taxes, he brings it on the last day that we are rising, and he comes to Parliament under a Certificate of Urgency,” he said.
His remarks come after Parliament approved amendments to the Energy Sector Levies framework, increasing the levy on fuel oil from GH¢0.24 per litre to GH¢1.93 per litre.
Government has defended the amendment, explaining that the measure is intended to curb fuel smuggling, eliminate abuses within the fuel subsidy regime and strengthen revenue mobilisation to meet obligations in the energy sector.
However, Mr Adomako-Mensah argued that the government was taking advantage of its numerical strength in Parliament to push through tax measures without adequate deliberation.
“Not surprisingly, this time around, again, on the last day of rising, he comes back to Parliament under a Certificate of Urgency to push this through because they have the numbers,” he added.
The lawmaker further criticised the levy increase, insisting it runs contrary to the government's campaign pledge to reduce the tax burden on Ghanaians.
“We are against it, and I believe that the Ghanaian people did not vote for this particular government for them to come and increase taxes. They were promised relief; what we are seeing is the opposite,” he stated.
The Minority maintains that although government must mobilise revenue to finance critical sectors of the economy, tax measures with the potential to affect fuel prices and the cost of living should undergo broader parliamentary scrutiny and public consultation before they are enacted.