Parliament Okays Akufo-Addo’s 2021 Budget

Parliament has today March 19, 2021 approved the 2021 budget read by Majority Leader, osei Lye-Mensah Bonsu.

The Minority group in parliament had earlier rejected the outcome of the voice vote on the approval of the budget.

The Speaker, Alban Bagbin granted the application of the Minority for a headcount amid controversy on the Floor.

Out of the total vote cast, 137 Members of Parliament (MPs) voted in favour of the approval of the budget while 134 voted against the motion.

The Minority explained that their disagreement was because of the introduction of 6 new taxes in the budget, hence, the vote against the approval of the budget.

These taxes include a COVID-19 Health Levy; 1% increase in National Health Insurance Levy and 1% increase in flat VAT rate as well as 30 pesewas increase in fuel prices to take care of excess power capacity charges [20 pesewas] and Sanitation and Pollution Levy [10%].

Source: Ghanaweb