Hon. Stephen Amoah, Member of Parliament for Nhyiaeso Constituency, has called on the current administration, led by President John Mahama, to publicly apologize to Ghanaians for introducing a new GHS 1 energy levy, despite previously criticizing similar tax measures under the former NPP government.
In a video published by Ghanaian blogger King Bygone and reported by The 1957 News, Hon. Amoah said that while he does not oppose the logic behind the energy levy, he finds it hypocritical and politically dishonest, especially given the ruling party’s history of opposing tax increments when in opposition.
“Honestly speaking, considering the fact that we are running a negative effective tax rate economy, I wouldn’t say there’s anything wrong with the tax itself,” Amoah said. “But I remember very well that they demonized any form of tax.
Some of us were personally attacked for defending tax policy. So why are the same people now introducing even more taxes?”
He accused the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) of misleading the public through political propaganda and said they owe the opposition and the people of Ghana a formal apology.
“All I want to say is that they should come, apologize to the Minority, apologize to the NPP government, apologize to Ghanaians, and let Ghanaians know that they lied to them,” Amoah stated.
He emphasized that taxation is not inherently bad and should not be politicized.
Instead, he argued, it is a necessary tool for ensuring national development, social equity, and access to essential services.
“Tax is not evil. It’s meant for redistribution, so even a child from the most rural community can have access to clean water, good education, and security,” he said. “We need to have a national conversation around tax policy and stop politicizing it. That’s how we move forward as a country.”
Hon. Amoah concluded by urging the government to act responsibly, own up to its contradictions, and lead with transparency in its fiscal decisions.
As of now, there has been no official response from the Ministry of Finance or the Office of the President regarding Amoah’s comments.
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Source: KingBygone.com
