Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has congratulated President-elect John Dramani Mahama on his victory in the 2024 general elections and extended similar congratulations to National Democratic Congress (NDC) Members of Parliament for their significant electoral success, which will see them form the Majority side in the next Parliament.

In a statement delivered on Monday, December 16, Bagbin reminded the incoming government and NDC MPs that the overwhelming support from Ghanaians carries a heavy responsibility. “To whom much is given, much is expected; you cannot afford to disappoint,” he warned.

The Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, expressed concerns over how the incoming Mahama administration plans to raise revenue, particularly given its promise to remove several key taxes. Afenyo-Markin questioned how the government would fund its proposed projects without these sources of income.

During his campaign, Mahama pledged to abolish a range of taxes within his first 100 days in office, including the e-levy, COVID levy, and import duties on vehicles and equipment for industrial and agricultural use. He argued these taxes placed a heavy burden on Ghanaians.

Afenyo-Markin, speaking in Parliament, said: “We will see how you [NDC MPs] will protect the public purse. We have heard from Terkper that you can’t finance Free SHS. We will see how you will raise revenue to fund the Nkokor Nkitinkitin.”

This sentiment has been echoed by several analysts. Joe Jackson, CEO of Dalex Finance, raised concerns about the Mahama administration’s ability to generate sufficient revenue if it follows through on its promise to remove multiple taxes, particularly the e-levy. Jackson warned that such moves could exacerbate the challenges of managing the country’s economy.

Source:TheDotNews