The Integrated Social Development Centre (ISODEC) has described the maiden fiscal policy document presented by the finance minister to Parliament yesterday as encouraging.
According to a policy analyst at ISODEC, Bernard Anaba, the budget as presented by the Finance Minister is a clear demonstration of their commitment to fulfilling their manifesto promises.
While commenting on the budget on Onua FM morning show ‘Yen Nsem Pa’ hosted by Bright Kwesi Asempa, Benard Anaba noted that “The budget shows clearly that the government is going according to what they have in their manifesto, and that is encouraging, so I will say the budget will largely tilt towards ensuring that the promises they made during the electioneering campaign, so it is good”.
The Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta was in parliament yesterday to outline major policies to be implemented this year.
The Minster in the budget statement noted that the government will also roll out programs that will lessen burdens of the citizenry.
Taxes that are described by the government as ‘killer taxes’ have been abolished while some have been reduced. The much touted One-District-One-Factory, Free Senior High School and other major interventions were contained in the budget statement.
ISODEC Policy Analyst also acknowledged that “the budget is pro-poor which is not targeted at any specific people but everyone will benefit. For instance, the reduction of taxes and abolishment of some will equally benefit every consumer”.
He noted that the implementation of the Free SHS policy will come as a great relief to parents as well as saving the parents some quantum of money that could be invested in other areas.
He however disagreed with those who said the budget will only benefit the elite, saying it is rather a good start for the NPP administration.
