Joe Jackson, CEO of DALEX Finance, has affirmed his trust in Majority Leader Cassiel Ato Forson's appointment as Finance Minister-designate, emphasizing his aptitude for handling the intricacies of tax reforms.

Jackson highlighted the difficulties of tax elimination, especially under an IMF program, during his appearance on The Citiuation on Channel One TV on Thursday, January 9, 2025.

He emphasized the significance of finding a balance between lowering taxes and making sure there is enough money generated to cover Ghana's debt payments and sustain steady tax inflows.

Since we are under the IMF framework and are dedicated to repaying our debt and maintaining a specific level of tax collection, it is difficult to remove these taxes. Removing taxes is the simplest thing to do, but obtaining sufficient revenue is the hardest.

"It is simple for people to declare that they no longer want to bet, levy, or pay the COVID tax. However, once this is removed, we will need to find alternative sources of income to ensure that we fulfill our obligations to the IMF and to pay our debts as they become due. Therefore, it is not a simple process.

Jackson's comments come after President John Dramani Mahama pledged to eliminate a number of taxes during the first ninety days of his administration, including the 10% charge on wins from bets, the COVID levy, and the E-levy.

This action is perceived as an effort to lessen the high cost of doing business and the financial difficulties that citizens confront. Given these events, Joe Jackson said he was certain that Ato Forson's appointment would provide him the experience he needed to handle the financial difficulties.

“I am sure, given who Cassiel Ato Forson is, he will make a really good attempt to fix the situation.”

Along with other significant appointments, the Presidency officially nominated Ato Forson for the post of Finance Minister-designate on January 9, 2025. According to a statement from the presidency, the nominations were sent to Alban Bagbin, the Speaker of Parliament, in accordance with Article 78 of the Ghanaian Constitution of 1992. The nominations listed below were verified:

Hon. Dr. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson — Minister for Finance Designate


Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor — Minister for Energy Designate


Hon. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine — Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Designate