A leading member of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, has urged Ghanaians to expect today’s budget to be low on taxation and high on productivity.

In a tweet, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s nephew noted that the Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta “can make vehicle owners and commuters happy today”, hinting of a possible reduction in fuel prices.

Ken can make vehicle owners and commuters happy today.

— Gabby Otchere-Darko (@GabbyDarko) March 2, 2017

Expect from Ken Ofori-Atta a budget that is low on taxation and high on productivity.

— Gabby Otchere-Darko (@GabbyDarko) March 1, 2017

Mr Akufo-Addo promised to alleviate the plight of Ghanaians by removing nuisance taxes, some of which have led to hikes in fuel prices and utility costs.

The budget to be read today Thursday 2 March, according to the Finance Ministry, is expected to focus on stimulation of growth and job creation through private sector development.

It will include measures to restore fiscal discipline and good economic governance, transparent and accountable use of public resources in accordance with the new Public Financial Management Law and provide a credible basis for economic policy clarity going forward.