Akufo-Addo taxing his way into opposition - Kennedy Agyapong

Controversial NPP Member of Parliament (MP) for Assin Central, Honourable Kennedy Agyapong has said the feedback he has gathered suggests that things are quite unfavourable for the President and his government due to the high cost of living and taxes imposed on Ghanaians, MyNewsGh.com has filed.

The Assin Central MP who is widely seen as the conscience of the ruling party has in the past called on the party to move away from ‘book governance’ as it is unfavourable and could lead them back into opposition.

He admitted that though he is an NPP MP, it is his duty to tell the government the truth about what is happening on the ground, as all over the world, taxes are part of the factors voters consider in deciding who to vote for in the next election.

In an interview monitored by MyNewsGh.com on Adom TV, Kennedy Agyapong lamented: “It is my party, yes, but the way we want to make our money from taxes, trust me it will affect us!”

Sounding very disappointed in government, Kennedy Agyapong said President Akufo-Addo is a good man who wants to bring about change, but there is a huge problem. He alleged that some appointees of President Akufo-Addo have refused to ensure that government brings about the change promised in 2016.

On the role of high taxes in annoying voters, he advised government to “go and check the record of Democrats and Republicans history”.

“They should remember, everywhere in the world campaign is based on taxes. They should go and check the record of Democrats and Republicans history.. our elders have said if you cut your tongue and eat it, you have not eaten any meat. When you see the duties I am paying at Tema Ports, man! you have no idea.. and the man (Prof Peter Quartey) has said it,” he lamented.

“My own brother Kofi Nti, his CTN whatever, it won’t help. I know this from my Assin Dompem LA Middle school economics. CTN (Cargo Tracking Note) will collapse Ghana’s economy … my economics is simple, when you put a high premium on items, you discourage a lot of people from buying it. When you put a lower premium you attract a lot of people to buy because you have a lot of people buying, you have a lot revenue.”

Grounds not good

Mr Kennedy Agyapong said he picked up some signals from Kumasi Magazine that things are very bad for the government.

“Yesterday someone came and said something (about) Magazine. When he said Magazine, I became afraid because I remember we went there to campaign and they themselves paid for everything, even the kayaye brought their things to listen to us… NPP, we don’t learn at all”, he bemoaned.

“Apathy is setting in …. Comparing to Kufuor, apathy is setting in. I see what is going on and I feel it”, he added.