By Hannah Dadzie
Facebook: Hannah Pinky Ama Dadzie
Twitter: @DadziePinky
The Founder and Leader of All People’s Congress (APC), Dr. Hassan Ayariga, has commended the government for abolishing road toll levies which has become an issue of concern for motorists. Addressing some issues raised in the 2022 Budget Statement, Dr. Ayariga called on the government to roll out a Policy for hawkers and other people who may lose their livelihoods due to the closure of the tolling booths.
“When the Finance Minister announced that the government intends to scrap the Toll Booth fee, many people started talking about the issue of hawkers and others but I am appealing to the government to rule out a policy for street hawkers. I personally think it is a good idea not to take tolls again. That is my opinion and I applaud the government for that initiative. Tolls on the roads were a rip-off. It was our taxes that were used to build those roads and paying road tolls on them again is very wrong so that was a good initiative from them,” Dr. Ayariga said.
According to Dr. Ayariga, Ghana is in a serious crisis as its debt stock has increased over the past six years. He said the country has borrowed a lot, but this does not reflect in the development of the country.
“We have borrowed so much and yet we do not have good roads, hospitals, schools, and markets, we have nothing to show for our borrowing. Despite the borrows, all projects which include schools, hospitals, abandoned projects which were initiated by the previous government are up to a stand still. Students are still sitting learning under trees. I want the government to know that governance is a continuous business,” he noted.
Commenting on the ”Youstart” initiative as contained in the Budget, Dr. Ayariga said it is a good move which will equip the youth, but hopes it will not increase the country’s debt stock.
“In the 2022 Budget statement, the Finance Minister said their government will introduce “You Start” with one billion Ghana cedis to create one million jobs. They have not told us how they intend to spend one billion on youth. One of the policies of the APC is to create a Graduate Financing Fund to support graduates to help start their own businesses and create jobs. But I wish to advise the government to look up to the APC to help them to rule out that policy very well since they have decided to lift it without consulting us,” Dr Ayariga indicated.
He also called on Ghanaians to avoid partisan politics and work together for the development of Mother Ghana.
Founder of the All People’s Congress (APC) encouraged the citizenry to honour their tax obligation to the State for the rapid socio-economic development needed.
