The Minister of Communication and Digitalization, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, has delivered a strong caution to Ghanaians who evade taxes.

The minister emphasised that it is unjust for individuals to demand benefits without fulfilling their responsibilities.

During an interview with Oyerapa TV, she clarified that essential amenities such as good roads, clean drinking water, and reliable networks are not obtained solely through requests.

She underscored that the government can only furnish the nation with fundamental necessities when citizens play their part by fulfilling their tax obligations.

“We are all crying about the hardships in the country. As it stands now, we are unable to finance our debts. So, we need to pay for our development. You can’t cry for a road, electricity, water and a good network; where do we go for the money? If you don’t get the money through taxes, where will you get it from?

“The only way to finance your development anywhere in the world is through either taxation, through dividends citizens pay to the government or through loans. That’s my little knowledge about that. So, if you don’t want to pay taxes, you don’t want the government to also borrow; where will the government get money to finance development?" she said.

Finance minister’s budget presentation before parliament suggested an increase in taxes by the government.

He opined that the most effective strategy to stabilise the current economic situation is through tax increases.

"If I were the finance minister, there should be an increase in taxes.

“You see, our brothers from the NDC know that the only way to restore and consolidate our fiscal policy now (sic) is to generate revenue internally."

Source: The Independent Ghana