2004 Budget An Election Budget - NDC Minority

The minority National Democratic Congress in Parliament has described the 2004 budget as an election budget and one which does not target areas that will bring real reliefs to the people. The minority’s Ranking member on finance, Moses Asaga, said the various tax reliefs offered the private sector have come too little too late.

Speaking to Journalists in Accra, Mr. Asaga said all the tax reliefs granted are policies of the NDC when they were in government and should have been implemented earlier. He said the NPP government could therefore not lay claim to them.

He further accused government of stating tax relief polices announced by the NDC Flag bearer when he is voted president in the forthcoming election.

He said most private sector firms and business have already been stifled as such the various tax reliefs granted them now will not help the private sector significantly.

The Minister of Finance, Yaw Osafo Marfo announced a 5.2 growth rate in real GDP exceeding the 4.7 target. But Mr. Asaga disputes this figure saying it has been doctored since growth globally for last year was down. He is challenging government to a debate on the growth figure.