Recall of Parliament is to aid NPP fast-track tax giveaways to their cronies – Ato Forson

The Minority Leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has criticised the Majority’s decision to recall Parliament a day after it went on a recess.

According to him, the move was an act of bad faith.

He argued that the items listed for consideration do not warrant the urgency suggested by the recall. Dr. Ato Forson’s disapproval comes after Majority Leader Afenyo Markin, citing Article 112(3) of the Constitution, petitioned the Speaker to convene an emergency sitting.

The recall, scheduled for September 3, was intended to address critical state business a day after Parliament had adjourned on July 30, 2024.

Despite the Minority’s reservations, the Speaker admitted three items for discussion during the two-day emergency session. These items include a $250 million energy sector loan agreement, another $250 million loan agreement for the Ghana Stability Fund, and a matter related to tax exemptions.

The recalled session has sparked debate, with the Minority Leader, Dr. Ato Forson, questioning the true intent behind the Majority’s actions. He accused the Majority of using the recall to expedite tax exemptions that would benefit the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and its associates.

As Parliament reconvened, Dr. Ato Forson reiterated his stance, arguing that the Majority’s move is not driven by genuine national interest but rather by the desire to push through policies that favour their cronies. This, he emphasised, undermines the principles of transparency and fairness in governance.

“This recall that has been triggered by the NPP Majority is to enable them to fast-track and railroad tax giveaways to their crony businesses.”

“Rt. Hon. Speaker, let me state without any equivocation that the Minority’s position on these tax exemptions has not changed. We have always maintained that these tax exemptions are not in the best interest of the taxpayer,” he stated while speaking on the floor of Parliament.