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The fallouts of the much anticipated mid-year review budget headlined discussions on JoyNew’s weekend analysis show; Newsfile.
Having been the first to have received massive attention particularly after speculations of a possible rise in VAT and NHIS taxes, the 2018 semi-annual financial statement was finally presented by Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta Thursday July 19 on the floor of parliament.
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Though the VAT was maintained at 12.5%, some new taxes were announced by the minister. An excise tax on luxury vehicles (10 % on vehicles with engine capacity above 3.5 capacity), an increase in the communications service tax (from 6% to up to 12%) and the re-introduction of VAT on financial services which was scrapped in the 2017 budget which were announced by Mr. Ofori-Atta have already received opposition by Minority members and some section of Ghanaians who believe government is using the back-door means or rather, ‘robbing Peter to pay Paul’ by maintaining the VAT but rather introducing some other means of still taxing Ghanaians.
The threatening subject of police attacks and killings of citizens also featured in deliberations as panelists brought to bear, the pertinent issues regarding the fears and concerns of Ghanaians particularly in recent times where persons who are responsible for protecting citizens are themselves ‘brutalizing’ the same. In that regard, the most recent incidents where a nursing mother was harassed and assaulted in a financial institution; Midland, after refusing to leave the premises till her savings, an amount of GHC 250 was given to her and the murder of some 7 suspected armed robbers over the death of one policeman in Kumasi were touched on.
Other relevant issues including the bank crisis and actions being taken against Belstar and other banks in the ADB share purchase, and the commissioning of the newly built University of Legon Hospital and Korle Bu Emergency unit after delays were tackled by panelists on this weekend's edition of the show.
