The 2016 presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has assured Ghanaians that he will scrap what he terms as “high taxes” introduced by the incumbent National Democratic Congress (NDC) when he is voted into power. Government’s recent decision to introduce new taxes on petroleum products coupled with the increases in utility tariffs, has incensed many Ghanaians. Speaking at a gathering of some hairdressers and beauticians in the country, the NPP presidential candidate, said the taxes in his view, were introduced as a result of the poor management of the economy. “Because of the high taxes imposed on every business activity in this country, including yours, businesses are being throttled. It is therefore no surprise that things are difficult in Ghana at the moment. Under my government, these taxes, imposed on you as a result of the mismanagement of the Ghanaian economy will be no more,” he said. He was warmly welcomed by the gathering, dominated by women.
The President of the National Association of Beauticians and Hairdressers, Mrs. Joyce Lamptey, expressed the collective joy of the Association for his presence at the dinner. She outlined the aims of the Association, which were to defend the interests of beauticians and hairdressers. She added that the Association also undertakes outreach programmes, adding that, this year, 50 women with hearing disability will be trained to becomr effective beauticians and hairdressers.
In response, Nana Akufo-Addo, who was accompanied by the National Women’s Organiser of the NPP, Otiko Afisa Djaba,indicated that the NPP was borne out of a political tradition which strongly believes that private sector development is key to any nation’s quest for sustained development and improvement in the livelihood of citizens.
The party’s 8-year record in office, he said, is a testament to this fact. “You gathered here this evening, full of individual entrepreneurs and self-employed people, represent the private sector. I am of the strong belief that Ghana’s economic development should be led by the private sector. We have an abundance of entrepreneurial talents in Ghana which should be given the free rein to develop, and I can assure you that my government will provide a conducive and enabling environment for that to happen,” he said. He continued, “Apart from the issue of taxes, our government will also work to bring down the cost of doing business, especially the high interest rates charged by banks to local businesses. The path to prosperity lies in strengthening local production and local businesses. An Akufo-Addo government is going to devote all its energies, wholeheartedly, to ensuring that this takes place.”
This was met with a rousing ovation from the packed hall. Victory for the NPP in this year’s poll, he said, will serve as the catalyst which will restore Ghana back onto the path of progress and prosperity. He pleaded for their active support to help achieve victory in November. Nana Akufo-Addo also expressed his joy at the presence at the seminar of beauticians and hairdressers from Togo and Benin. He applauded the initiative, saying such initiatives will help foster solidarity amongst the citizens of West Africa. He saluted their outreach programme, and made a donation of GH¢5,000 towards the construction of their headquarters. – See more at: http://citifmonline.com/2016/01/17/ill-scrap-mahamas-crippling-tax-regime-nana-addo-2/#sthash.vHLIPbVy.dpuf
