Let work together to deliver the real ‘Agenkwa’ budget – Ablakwa

The Member of Parliament for the North Tongu Constituency, in the Volta Region, Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has called on both the Majority and Minority in Parliament to work together to deliver a budget that meet the expectations of Ghanaians.

He made the call on Tuesday, November 30, following the rejection of the 2022 budget statement on Friday, November 26.

Speaking in a twitter post sighted by the GhanaPlus.com, Mr Ablakwa said the house must work together through consensus and patriotism without any enmity

“The Killer Budget is gone for good. Now, let’s work together through consensus & patriotism without acrimony to deliver a real “Agyenkwa” Budget, not a dubious one. That new 2022 Budget must meet the legitimate expectations of our employers—the people who sent us to Parliament”., Mr Ablakwa said reads.

The Killer Budget is gone for good.

Now, let’s work together through consensus & patriotism without acrimony to deliver a real “Agyenkwa” Budget, not a dubious one. That new 2022 Budget must meet the legitimate expectations of our employers—the people who sent us to Parliament.

— Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa (@S_OkudzetoAblak) November 30, 2021

Ghana’s Parliament rejects Akufo-Addo’s 2022 budget statement

Parliament of Ghana on Friday, November 26, rejected the “Budget Statement and Economic Policy of the Government of Ghana for the 2022 Financial Year” presented to the house by the Finance Minister, Mr Ken Ofori-Atta for consideration.

3news.com report the Majority stage a walk out but the budget statement was rejected after members of the Minority present overwhelmingly shouted ‘No.

The Majority group has since described the development as unconstitutional adding that the Speaker needed at least 138 members of Parliament present before he can put the question.

The Minority however, maintained the budget have been rejected and asked for amendment to be made in the areas of the E-levy, ‘Agyapa’ deal and Aker Energy deal.

They have also called for the inclusion of the Keta tidal wave disaster as well as the restoration of the suspended bench mark values for exporters.

They maintain, unless the above are addressed, they will not support the budget.

2022 Budget

The 2022 budget was presented to Parliament by the Minister of Finance, Mr Ken Ofori Atta  in accordance with Article 179 of the 1992 constitution of Ghana on Wednesday, November 17.

“Agenkwa Budget”  as called by the government announced the abolishment of tolls on all public roads in the country, a 1.75 percent charge on all electronic transactions above ₵100 and ‘YouStart’ a 1million jobs creation initiative with a seed capital of ₵1billion.

It also announced a review of benchmark values, reduction of withholding tax on sale of unprocessed gold, review of the VAT Flat Rate System (VFRS), reduction in power tariff and a two-year tax relief for textile manufacturers among many others.

Source: GhanaPlus.com