Minority cries over Ofori-Atta's 35% 'biting' income tax

The Minority in Parliament is crying over the 35% personal income tax imposed on their salaries, which they say has wiped off in excess of GHS2,000 of their monthly earnings.

Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta announced the new tax, among others, when he presented the Mid-year budget review to parliament on Thursday, 19 July 2018.

Mr Ofori-Atta said government reviewed the personal income tax categories “to include an additional band of GHS10,000 and above per month at a rate of 35%”.

Currently, the country's legislators are pegged at a salary of some GHS13,000 but the legislators say other responsibilities such as taking care of school fees and the needs of their constituents, have had a negative impact on their finances.

Speaking to Class 91.3FM’s parliamentary correspondent Ekow Annan on Friday, 28 September 2018, First Deputy Minority Whip Ahmed Ibrahim lamented bitterly about the hardships MPs are facing due to the hike in their personal income tax from 25% to 35%.

He added that the non-payment of their District Assemblies Common Fund has worsened their plight.

Kumbungu MP Ras Mubarak had earlier described the development as a “sad way to run a country”.