Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the Minister-designate for Finance, has defended his stance on tax exemptions during his vetting by the Appointment Committee. Speaking confidently, Dr. Forson highlighted his efforts to reduce the financial burden on the nation during his previous tenure as a member of parliament.
Dr. Forson, who chaired the committee that reviewed tax exemptions, stated that he had worked closely with the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Trade to address concerns about the taxes. He noted that the initial proposal had been reduced significantly, with the raw materials component being taken out of the exemption.
“I have no regrets in this sense that when these taxes were introduced, we were called upon to accept $458 million,” Dr. Forson said. “Upon my assistance, the Minister of Finance went back and worked together with the Minister for Trade and brought it down to about $100 million. So, straight away, I could say I saved the nation approximately $358 million.”
Dr. Forson emphasized that his actions were motivated by a desire to do what was right for Ghana and its people, rather than personal or political interests. He also paid tribute to his colleague, Honorable Kweku Kwarteng, who had been instrumental in the fight against the tax exemptions.
The Minister-designate’s comments come amid concerns about the lack of transparency in the tax exemption process. However, he argued that his efforts had demonstrated a commitment to accountability and responsible governance.
“It’s not personal, it’s not political, but we did it with the right intention, obviously for God and country,” Dr. Forson said. “If you can say $358 million, we could use that money to fix our roads, our schools, and our hospitals. I think it wasn’t necessary for us to approve that tax, and those concerns were addressed.”
As the Minister-designate for Finance, Dr. Forson’s remarks have sparked a lively debate about the role of the finance ministry in ensuring transparency and accountability in the tax exemption process. His vetting is expected to continue, with lawmakers grilling him on his plans to boost the country’s finances and ensure that resources are being used effectively.
Dr. Forson’s appointment as Minister for Finance is subject to approval by parliament, and his performance during the vetting process will be closely watched by lawmakers, stakeholders, and the general public.