Ernest Yaw Anim, Member of Parliament for Kumawu, has painted a bleak picture of the National Democratic Congress’s (NDC) ability to deliver on its campaign promises made during the 2024 general election.
Anim’s words come as the nation awaits the finance minister’s budget presentation on March 11, 2025, an event that could significantly impact the government’s popularity.
During an interview with Kojo Marfo on AbusuaNkommo at Abusua965FM, Anim emphasized that his constituents are watching closely, expecting the finance minister to remove the betting tax, COVID levy, and E-levy.
He said, “They will present the budget. My constituency is expecting the finance minister to remove the betting tax, COVID levy, and E-levy.”
These taxes have been a point of contention for many Ghanaians, and their removal is seen as a crucial step in alleviating financial burdens on citizens.
However, if these expectations are not met, Anim warned that the consequences could be severe for the NDC by the time the 2028 elections arrive.
“if he fails to remove them, my constituency will be watching. The year 2028 is just around the corner.”
Anim expressed confidence that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) will regain power in 2028. He noted that by then, President John Dramani Mahama would no longer be a candidate, forcing the NDC to present a new face against the NPP’s candidate.
Anim believes that the NPP’s track record from the past eight years will give them a strong advantage.
“I am a prophet of doom but I feel that most of the promises they made to Ghanaians will not be delivered,” he stated.
Anim also cast doubt on the NDC’s ambitious plans for a 24-hour economy with a one-job, three-shift system. He pointed out that recent actions by the government, such as revoking appointments, contradict the promise of creating more jobs.
“How will you create three shifts when you are sacking those already in the system?” he questioned.
While the removal of certain taxes might be seen as a positive step, Anim cautioned that increasing VAT or other taxes would be viewed as similar.
He emphasised, “Any tax they increase, we’re monitoring them, we will look at all those things and deliberate on it for Ghanaians to understand what’s going on and who is honest and who came to deceive.”