Francis Addai Nimo[/caption] A former New Patriotic Party flag-bearer hopeful, Francis Addai Nimo is in full support of government’s intention to increase taxes in the mid-year budget review. The Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta is expected to present the mid-year budget review to parliament on Thursday, but in a facebook post Gabby Ochere Darko, a legal practitioner and nephew to President Akufo-Addo, is already hinting of an increase in Value Added Tax. When host of 3FM’s Sunrise morning show, Winston Amoah, asked Addai Nimo if he supports an increase in VAT, he remarked, “we need to see the figure and see the justification”. When his attention was drawn to the proposed increase in VAT from 17.5 to 21.5 he queried, “how much is that going to generate in terms of revenue? We need to know. And it will go into what kind of expenditure, we also need to know” . Mr. Addai Nimo who is a former Member of Parliament for Mampong, however noted that there is the need for more revenue to achieve what the government promised Ghanaians. “If you want to build new international airport, freeways with fantastic interchanges so that you drive from Accra through to Kumasi to Tamale to Paga you don’t encounter any interference, you can only exit the main road and just take a rest but you are driving on major highways. If we need to build underground or subways system in Accra or Kumasi by way of transportation then we need a lot of money”. Mr Nimo said embarking on all these ambitious programmes will require corresponding revenues. He therefore maintained, “I support new taxes. We need to know that once we change from a certain percentage to another percentage how much is that coming” . Addai Nimo however remarked that “it is only parliament that has the authority to approve or disapprove of a new budget. I am told it is Thursday so let us wait and see what it will be”. Source: Richard bright Addo | 3news.com ]]>
