By Edith Atiaka Eshun
The Ghana Federation of Labour, (GFL) has called on the Members of Parliament to consider the interest of Ghanaians first in their scheme of affairs of the House.
As the new Excise Tax Bill and other tax proposals await approval by Parliament, the GFL is urging members to engage critical industry stakeholders before taking any action on the new taxes.
According to the group, consequent to the virtual unanimous approval of President Akufo-Addo’s new ministerial and judicial appointments despite the prevailing financial crunch and considering the plight of workers under the escalated cost of living as a result of what the Federation terms insensitive economic policies of government, it deems it appropriate to draw Parliament’s attention to the needful to halt further deterioration of the conditions of living of the people to avert social upheavals.
A statement signed by the Secretary General of the GFL, Abraham Koomson, said Parliament by constitution is positioned to check profligacy of the Executive to ensure good governance for the benefit of the citizenry for development.
However, contrary to the expectation of the people, Parliament is seen as being complicit in implementation of outrageous government policies which threaten businesses and render joblessness.
It further noted that in its petition to the Speaker dated 3rd February 2023, on the numerous taxes being paid by distressed businesses, similar concerns have been raised by the Association of Ghana Industries and the Ghana Union of Traders as well as the Food and Beverages Association of Ghana and the Importers and Exporters Association.
