By: Edzorna Francis Mensah
The Minister of Finance has announced a freeze on Public Sector Employment beginning in 2023 as part of the policy measures to stabilize the economy.
The Minister, Ken Ofori Atta at the Budget presentation for year ending 31st December, 2023 mentioned “a hiring freeze for civil and public servants” has he again emphasised “no new government agencies shall be established in 2023”.
He also directed public agencies to hold meetings and workshops within the official environment or government facilities and “Government sponsored external training and Staff Development activities at the Office of the President, Ministries and SOEs must be put on hold for the 2023 financial year”.
There will be a reduction of expenditure on appointments including salary freezes together with suspension of certain allowances like housing, utilities and clothing, etc..
The Minister further directed all government agencies to buy no hampers for this year, 2022 and “there shall be no printing of diaries, notepads, calendars and other promotional merchandise by MDAs, MMDAs and SOEs for 2024; All non-critical project must be suspended for 2023 Financial year”.
The Minister in his concluding statement said, the Government cares deeply about our people, and is very much concerned about their current plight and the future of our country.
“A freeze on new tax waivers for foreign companies and review of tax exemptions for free zone, mining, oil and gas companies”
“The 2023 Budget has been prepared with high consideration for the aspirations of Ghanaians and the brighter prospects of our economy to transition into Upper Middle Income within a decade. It reflects our determination and resolve to confront the current daunting economic challenges facing our nation head-on and reset the economy”.
