The 2025 budget debate took center stage in Parliament as John Kwabena Oti Bless addressed key concerns regarding the consolidation of energy sector levies, including the sanitation levy. He dismissed claims from the Minority that the government intends to collapse Zoomlion’s business, stating that such assertions are baseless.
“Paragraph 152 of the budget provides the government’s plan and intention to consolidate energy sector levies, including the sanitation levy. But I’ve heard comments from the Minority side saying that President Mahama and the NDC have plans to collapse Zoomlion’s business. Mr. Speaker, when it comes to those who have a track record of collapsing indigenous Ghanaian businesses, it is the NPP,” Oti Bless stated during the 2025 budget debate.
He further accused the previous administration of crippling Ghanaian businesses by shutting down over 30 locally owned banks. He assured Parliament that President Mahama has no intention of harming indigenous enterprises, emphasizing that Mahama is committed to protecting Ghanaian businesses and ensuring fair economic policies.
Zoomlion’s Contribution to Sanitation and Outstanding Government Debt
Highlighting the contributions of Zoomlion to sanitation, Oti Bless noted that the previous government awarded the company contracts to build treatment plants across all 16 regions. However, he revealed that the NPP government still owes Zoomlion over GHS 700 million for services rendered.
“Zoomlion is Ghanaian and has invested heavily in sanitation. The past government, the NPP government, awarded a contract to Zoomlion to build treatment plants across the length and breadth of this country. As we speak, the previous government still owes Zoomlion over GHS 700 million,” he stated.
He urged the government to take necessary steps to clear these debts, stating that sanitation remains a crucial area that requires financial support. He also proposed an increase in the sanitation levy to ensure adequate funding for service providers in the sector.
“Even though the sanitation levy is part of the consolidation, our government should do everything possible to find a way out. At least increase the levy a bit to support these businesses to grow,” he suggested during the 2025 budget debate.
A Budget Without Biblical Quotations and Political Slogans
Oti Bless highlighted that, for the first time in eight years, the 2025 budget was presented without biblical quotations and political slogans. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing national development over political rhetoric.
“For the first time in eight years, this budget was devoid of biblical quotations. The budget was devoid of sloganeering,” he noted.
He called on fellow parliamentarians to support the budget, stating that it is designed to benefit all Ghanaians regardless of political affiliations. He urged members of Parliament to rise above partisan interests and approve the budget for the country’s economic progress.
“I urge them to support us and approve this all-important people’s budget, your budget, my budget, for a better Ghana,” he concluded.
The 2025 budget debate continues as Parliament deliberates on key financial policies aimed at strengthening Ghana’s economy and improving the livelihood of its citizens.
