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The 2024 budget is ‘absolutely useless’ – Ato Forson
The Minority Leader, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has criticised the incumbent government for presenting what he describes as an “absolutely useless” budget for the 2024 financial year.
Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express on Monday, Dr Forson noted that the ‘Nkunim’ [Victory] budget fails to address the pressing issues facing Ghanaians presently.
During the presentation of the 2024 Budget statement and economic policy in Parliament on Wednesday, November 15, Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta was optimistic that the nation is gradually overcoming its economic challenges.
He said the government has established a robust foundation for the future prosperity of the Ghanaian economy.
However, Dr Forson maintains that the budget is empty and does not provide solutions to the economic crisis the populace is being forced to undergo.
“The 2024 budget is absolutely useless. It solves nothing. It is empty. What are the issues confronting Ghana today? High unemployment, high poverty rate, businesses collapsing, high lending rate, monetary policy hitting the roof, economic growth trying to do under 2 percent, high inflation.
“These are the issues confronting the people of Ghana and the budget must confront these issues,” he told the host, Evans Mensah.
Dr Forson further introduced the concept of “materiality,” emphasising the importance of assessing the strength and significance of the proposed measures in the budget to address specific challenges.
In his view, the budget appeared immaterial, lacking the necessary substance to effectively tackle the burdens faced by the citizens of Ghana.
One major point of contention for Dr Forson was the imposition of new taxes amounting to GH₵11 billion.
Given the current economic circumstances, he questioned the rationale behind burdening individuals and citizens with such a substantial financial demand.
Dr Forson emphasized the importance of a budget that prioritizes the well-being of the people and effectively addresses the critical issues confronting the nation.
The Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta during his presentation of the 2024 budget statement in Parliament last week Wednesday announced some measures to cushion Ghanaians.
Some reliefs prioritized by the government include the extension of the zero rates of VAT on locally manufactured African prints, removal of taxes on locally produced sanitary pads and locally assembled vehicles, as well as waivers on import duties for electric vehicles and agricultural machinery.
To address environmental concerns, Mr Ofori-Atta also announced the government’s plan to expand the Environmental Excise Duty to cover plastic packaging, industrial emissions, and vehicle emissions.
Source: Myjoyonline.com
The First Lady, Lordina Dramani Mahama, has announced that the government will soon launch a Free Primary Health Care Programme aimed at improving access to healthcare across the country.
She said the initiative, which will be launched by her husband, John Dramani Mahama, will provide free primary healthcare services at facilities such as the Anyima Health Centre.
Mrs. Mahama made the announcement during the commissioning of the newly renovated Anyima Health Centre in Anyima, Brong Ahafo region.
According to her, the programme is expected to increase the use of health services, support early detection of diseases, reduce healthcare costs for families and improve the overall health and productivity of citizens.
“My husband, President John Dramani Mahama, will soon launch the Free Primary Health Care Programme, which will provide free care at facilities like the Anyima Health Centre,” she said.
Handing over the facility to the community, the First Lady urged health workers who will serve at the centre to treat patients with dignity and compassion.
She encouraged them to work towards ensuring zero maternal mortality and zero infant mortality at the facility.
Mrs. Mahama further called on residents of Anyima to take full ownership of the health centre by keeping it in good condition and making good use of its services.
She appealed to traditional leaders in the area to help protect the facility so that it can continue to serve the health needs of the community for many years.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Vice President, Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has called for stronger action to promote gender equity and create more opportunities for women in the workplace.
She made the call in a Facebook post after joining staff at the Presidency of Ghana to mark International Women’s Day.
The celebration was held under the theme “From Commitment to Action: Promoting Equity for Every Woman in the Workplace” and focused on recognising the achievements of women while reflecting on the work needed to ensure equal opportunities.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang extended warm wishes to women across Ghana and noted that women have always played key roles in the country’s communities and economic activities.
According to her, women in the past served as healers, traders and queen mothers who contributed to leadership and governance in traditional societies.
She explained that Ghana’s cultural history shows that women have long provided knowledge, leadership and innovation to help develop communities.
The Vice President however noted that current disparities require society to examine systems and structures that may have limited opportunities for women.
She stressed that advancing gender equity will require deliberate actions and the mentoring of young women to prepare them for leadership roles.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang recognised women whose work takes place in markets, streets and small trading spaces across the country.
According to her, these women form the backbone of local economies and continue to demonstrate resilience despite the difficult conditions they face.
She commended women working at the Presidency for their dedication and leadership and reaffirmed the need to promote respect, fairness and opportunity for every woman.
The Vice President further called on both men and women to work together to break barriers and ensure that women can fully contribute to Ghana’s development.
By: Jacob Aggrey
