Discussions around the 2024 mid-year budget have become increasingly numerous. Ghana has long been celebrated as a beacon of democracy in Africa and as the nation approaches another pivotal moment in its democratic journey, everyone anticipates conversations that will shape the nation’s political discourse
In line with the 2024 mid-year budget review by the Finance Minister, Dr Amin Adam, on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, communications team members Mr Joshua Fuga from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and Mr Seth Asare from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) engaged in a discussion on the Orange Sunrise.
Spearheaded by the show’s host, Alfa Ali, they discussed Ghana’s political and economic landscape, particularly focusing on the country’s mid-year budget review.
2024 Mid-Year Budget Analysis: NPP Vs NDC
Mr. Joshua Fuga took a moment to commemorate the 12th anniversary of the passing of Former President John Evans Atta Mills. He emphasized the enduring legacy of the late president, urging young Ghanaians to learn from his leadership and integrity.
“I believe we, as young ones, should learn from him. That is why I have difficulty with people who praise John Evans Atta Mills and chastise the one he picked. I believe that every single decision that Atta Mills took was in the best interest of this country,” said Mr. Fuga.
Mr. Fuga expressed disappointment with the comparison metrics used by the government, saying he expected a comparison of microeconomic indicators with those of former President John Dramani Mahama and tax relieves. Outlining taxes such as the e-levy, COVID-19 tax, and 10% betting levy tax among others should have been scraped.
He noted that, instead, the minister compared the performance of the NPP government within a single financial year. “I think it is an exercise in mediocrity,” he reiterated.
Mr Seth Asare of the NPP speaking to Mr Fuga’s disappointment about the budget review, mentioned there are different kinds of budgets and that the budget as read by the Minister of Finance was a review budget and therefore the introduction of cuts or new taxes/tariffs was not to be expected.
He further mentioned that month-on-month inflation on food is due to seasonal changes. “The economy is in challenging times, we all buy from the same market so I can’t sit here and say things are very well”, he acknowledged.
Join Alfa Ali every weekday from 9 to 10 am as he discusses trending and important political issues in Ghana.
